New Zealand steps up interest in Aukus as Pacific security concerns grow

Australia to send delegation to NZ very shortly' to brief on second pillar of Aukus alliance after ministers meet in Melbourne

New Zealand has stepped up its interest in joining the non-nuclear pillar of Aukus, amid China's growing presence in the Pacific and broader concerns over a reshaped world".

New Zealand's foreign minister Winston Peters - also a deputy prime minister - and the defence minister, Judith Collins, travelled to Melbourne to meet with their Australian counterparts, Penny Wong and Richard Marles, for the inaugural 2+2" Australia and New Zealand foreign and defence ministers' meeting on Thursday.