New Zealand and Australia have committed to working "in lock step" like never before over security issues.

Christopher Luxon and Anthony Albanese have wrapped up their bilateral meeting in Canberra.

Luxon says they have agreed to activate the alliance if either nation faces a severe cyber attack, and have invited defence ministers to renew closer ties.

International geopolitical analyst Geoffrey Miller told Heather du Plessis-Allan when these leaders meet, it's turning everything up a notch each time and very much in opposition to China.