New Zealand is reconsidering all development funding to the aid-dependent island nation of Kiribati, following a diplomatic snub from the island nation's leader, government officials said. The unusual move to review all finance to Kiribati was prompted by the abrupt cancellation of a planned meeting this month

While New Zealand has been a long-standing development partner, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has not managed a meeting with Kiribati President Taneti Maamau since returning to office in 2023.

New Zealand is reviewing its aid to Kiribati after the tiny Pacific nation’s president canceled a meeting with Foreign Minister Winston Peters at short notice.

Tensions between Western nations and Kiribati continue to strain after President Taneti Maamau refused to meet with senior ministers.