A political analyst says strengthening relations between New Zealand and Fiji will be good for the region.

Frank Bainimarama will be holding his first official meeting in New Zealand with John Key at Government house this morning.

Dr Steven Ratuva of Canterbury University said it's a significant step to mend diplomatic relations between the two countries.

"I think in the long term it's going to be good not just for those countries but also for the region, because whatever happens in terms of the relationship between Fiji and New Zealand, also Australia, will impact on the region generally."

Though Dr Ratuva feels we shouldn't be fooled by the display of closer relations between Fiji and New Zealand.

Dr Ratuva said Fiji over the past few years has emerged as a counter power to New Zealand and Australia in the Pacific.

He says Fiji is leveraging its alliance with China and China's influence in the region.

"There's a lot of political ball game happening between Bainimarama and Key. On the surface you might see diplomatic and ceremonial exercises but I think below the surface we still have some deep-seated power dynamics taking place."