The Pacific Islands Forum summit in Niue, which starts tomorrow, looks set to be the least well attended in recent times.
Just 13 of the 16 leaders are now expected to attend following the withdrawal by the Fiji interim government over some of the travel restrictions imposed by New Zealand as a result of the 2006 coup.
Don Wiseman reports.
"Palau's President Tommy Remengesau has also pulled, also in protest."
In his case at the behaviour of the Fiji interim leader, Commodore Frank Bainimarama.
The Premier of Niue, Toke Talagi, says they have been aware of Mr Remengasau's position for two weeks.
The President of the Federated States of Micronesia, Emanuel Mori, will also be absent, but he is sending an envoy, as is Mr Remengasau.
Last year the then Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Manasseh Sogavare, boycotted the meeting in favour of a consultation with Taiwan.
Most of the leaders are arriving on a specially arranged flight from Auckland this evening, though the Australia Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, is travelling separately.
French Polynesia and New Caledonia, which are associate members of the Forum, will be represented by Presidents Gaston Tong Sang and Harold Martin respectively.
Tokelau, a Forum observer, is represented by the Ulu, Pio Tuia.