Cooks' PM criticises NZ on climate change

The Cook Islands Prime Minister, Henry Puna, says New Zealand and Australia's emissions targets are not enough to ensure small island states are protected from rising sea levels.

The New Zealand government has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 30 percent below the level of 2005 by 2030.

The Australian government has a similar target, with plans to cut carbon emissions by at least 26 percent of 2005 levels by 2030.

When asked about New Zealand and Australia's emissions targets, Henry Puna said it's up to New Zealand and Australia to decide what is good for them.

He says the important thing is that they come together regularly to talk about those difficult issues.

 “Of course we can only talk to them, and say hey, look we don't think you are doing enough, but that is the approach that we believe in, and it's the only approach that will work,” he said.