The NGO Oxfam says the New Zealand Government has to be put real funding on the table to help poor countries adapt to climate change.
A new Oxfam report is warning 4.5 million children could die unless world leaders meeting next week deliver additional funds to help poor countries fight the impact of climate change.
NGOs fear funds will be diverted from existing aid commitments.
The Executive Director of Oxfam New Zealand, Barry Coates, says New Zealand cannot deny support for its Pacific neighbours and people at risk in poor
countries.
When the UN General Assembly meets next week Mr Coates says Prime Minister John Key should show the country can meet its climate change responsibilities.
"Even if the government hasn't decided on a particular figure yet that it is prepared to contribute, so the important thing is to say in the run-up to Copenhagen, and there is 15 days of negotiations left before countries get to Copenhagen, New Zealand ought to say: yes, we are prepared to pay our fair share and yes, we are prepared for this to be additional funding."
Barry Coates of Oxfam