Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says it is "hard to ignore the human face" of the crisis on Manus Island and the issue should not be ignored.
Ardern's comments come before a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull this Sunday.
She reconfirmed New Zealand's offer to Australia to take 150 refugees from Manus Island and Nauru.
"I expect that the situation on Manus Island will be discussed in my meeting with Prime Minister Turnbull on Sunday. I intend to reaffirm our offer when we meet," Ardern said.
"I acknowledge that, while New Zealand has not had to contend with these issues on our shores, it's hard to ignore the human face of this situation and nor should it be ignored.