En route to competing at the Commonwealth Games, Niue's leader has endorsed Australia's climate policies as reflective of Pacific concerns.
Premier Dalton Tagelagi was officially welcomed to Wellington on Thursday for his first official bilateral visit since taking office in 2020, fresh from his attendance at last week's Pacific Islands Forum leaders summit.
In Fiji, Pacific leaders welcomed Australia's renewed climate ambition, while reminding Anthony Albanese's government it expected more action to keep emissions below 1.5 degrees of warming.
Mr Tagelagi said he was "pleased" with Mr Albanese's leadership to date.
"The new leadership has started to recognise what the Pacific region is calling for," he said.
"I am very hopeful after our discussions ... that they've listened and are very supportive of some of the issues that has been raised from the from the Pacific.
"Let's hope that continues as we move forward."
Mr Tagelagi was speaking at a joint press conference with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who nodded her head vigorously as Mr Tagelagi spoke of Australia's climate goals.
Under Mr Albanese, the Labor government has set a target of 43 per cent emissions cut and 82 per cent renewable energy sourcing by the end of the decade.
Niue is a coral atoll of roughly 1600 people which retains tight links to New Zealand.
On Thursday, the two leaders signed a "refreshed" statement of partnership.
"Our friendship has stood the test of time -- it will soon be 50 years since Niue began its status as a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand,"
From Wellington, the multi-talented Mr Tagelagi will continue his travels to Birmingham, where he will compete in lawn bowls for his country for the third-stright games.
"I was hoping you wouldn't ask me about that," the modest 54-year-ld said.
"The team has been training very hard and I'm looking forward to joining them tomorrow.
"Participation in these things is very important. It's one of those life experiences you can take away ... and it's our head of state's games so it's important to have a presence."
