With Donald Trump's presidency creating extra challenges for the rest of the world, questions have been raised over what a small country like New Zealand can do for extra protection.
Political commentator and former parliamentary staffer for the National Party David Farrar wrote an opinion piece claiming New Zealand should take up the 125-year-old invitation to become part of Australia.
Farrar says the world has turned into a 'might-is-right' environment since Trump took office and that New Zealand needs to get bigger.
"We're lucky, because we've got a country which we're very, very close to, we're culturally similar to, we're economically integrated to, and we'd be a lot safer if we're a bigger country."
LISTEN ABOVE

Enda Brady: UK correspondent on Prime Minister Starmer indicating the UK will be growing partnership with EU
04:36

Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on the ongoing economic costs of the Iran war
03:25

Jamie Mackay: The Country host on farmer voicing concerns about long-term impacts of Iran conflict
03:27