New Zealand is a step closer to deciding whether it will involve itself with the second pillar of the AUKUS security deal.
Australian officials will cross the ditch later this year to brief the government on the agreement, which involves a partnership between Australia, the US and the UK in the Indo-Pacific region.
The development was revealed at the first meeting of Australia and New Zealand's defence and foreign affairs ministers in Melbourne.
Political reporter Katie Scotcher was there.
