The extra funding to bolster the ministry's organisational capacity reflects a 20% increase in ongoing funding for policy advice and monitoring - the first increase in the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs history.

"Today's announcement reflects a new direction and a new partnership between Pacific communities and the Government," said Mr Gosche.

"The extra funding will bolster the ability of Pacific communities to set their own goals and develop their own strategies. Building on existing networks that work for Pacific peoples will be a key focus for the ministry," said Mr Gosche.

"For the first time in its history the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs will finally have the ability to closely monitor Government policies that impact on Pacific peoples in New Zealand."

"Furthermore the performance agreements of most public service chief executives now includes a clause on their responsiveness to Pacific New Zealanders."

"Closing social disparity gaps that exist between Pacific peoples and other New Zealanders cannot be solved by the Government alone and nor can they be solved by Pacific communities working in isolation," said Mr Gosche.