Outgoing deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni has arrived in the Cook Islands for the annual Pacific Islands Forum.
It's a meeting New Zealand's Prime Minister usually attends but, because Christopher Luxon's still trying to form a Government, Sepuloni will be joined by National foreign affairs spokesperson Gerry Brownlee.
"There will be a range of discussion points and I think it's important that we're there to discuss those," Sepuloni said.
"Unfortunately, the incoming Government hasn't yet been able to form, it's important that there is a representative and so I've been deemed the right person," she said.
"I go as a representative for the Government in waiting and I'll be there to observe the forum," said Brownlee.
Observing what is expected to be a tense gathering of Pacific leaders, who are likely to debate the growing presence of China and the US in the region.
"Both those big countries want to have more influence and it's up to the Pacific nations to work out how they leverage those two positions for the betterment of their people," Brownlee added.
Another contentious issue likely to be discussed will be the Israel-Hamas conflict. Last month, a majority of Pacific nations voted against a UN resolution to a ceasefire - siding with countries like the US and UK over New Zealand.
"They are sovereign nations and so they are able to make their own decisions with respect to how they vote," Sepuloni said.
An international law expert argues Aotearoa is losing its influence in the Pacific.
"There must be much more active involvement because, if you don't fill that space, that void will be filled by other countries," said Alexander Gillespie, from the University of Waikato.
However, Sepuloni and Brownlee said the fact they're working together shows New Zealand remains committed to its neighbours.
Sepuloni even gave the duo a nickname before they left Wellington: "Caramel Brownie."
It's an unusual display of unity between a Labour and National MP but the type of unity Pacific leaders will be hoping for at this week's meeting.
