New Zealand's government is reviewing its aid to Kiribati after the Pacific island nation's leader snubbed a planned meeting with New Zealand's foreign minister.

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.

The New Zealand government said it is reviewing its development aid programme with the Pacific nation of Kiribati after the country's president cancelled a meeting with New Zealand’s foreign minister earlier in January.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand's aid for Kiribati is being reviewed after its President and Foreign Minister cancelled a meeting with him.

The unusual move to review all finance to Kiribati was prompted by the abrupt cancelation of a planned meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday last week between Kiribati President Taneti Maamau and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Winston Peters, Peters’ office said late on Monday.

New Zealand is reevaluating its development funding to Kiribati following a diplomatic incident where Kiribati President Taneti Maamau canceled a meeting with New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters.

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