Prime Minister John Key has spent the day in the remote Chatham Islands.
It is the first time he has visited the islands, which are home to around 600 people, and lie around 800 kilometres east of Christchurch.
It is the first of a two-day visit, during which Key will meet with local councillors to discuss ways to boost the region's economy.
Fishing, agriculture and tourism will be the main focus of how locals can generate more money.
The Prime Minister told ONE News today that he is keen to show residents that they are not the poor cousins of New Zealand.
"Like any very small community, with a small rating base, their capacity to build infrastructure funded off their own ratepayers if quite limited, and so we, arguably, need to step up and give them a bit of help," said Key.
One issue that has previously been raised by residents is the high cost of power and goods compared to the mainland.
"We need to recognise their isolation, but also their importance to New Zealand," said Key.
One project that the wider NZ community could contribute to is the substantial upgrade of the Chathams' wharf.
The islands are mostly powered by two wind turbines, which Key is scheduled to visit tomorrow.
Ministers Chris Finlayson and David Carter are accompanying the Prime Minister on the visit.