A warning this morning that North Korea won't simply give up its nuclear capabilities.

The rogue nation has announced the launch of what it says is a satellite, using a long-range missile.

It comes only weeks after a nuclear bomb test.

North Korea said the satellite is now making a polar orbit of Earth every 94 minutes, and the launch has been a complete success.

Their state operated media said leader Kim Jong-un personally ordered the launch. 

Worldwide condemnation has followed the move, which defies five UN Security Council resolutions.

Otago University's Professor of International Relations Robert Patman said it's unrealistic to hope Kim Jung Un will simply ditch nuclear weapons.

"I think the regime is basically dedicated to pursuing it's nuclear programme. I can't see them being easily reversed, I think it will take coercive pressures, or in fact the collapse of the regime internally."

Patman said New Zealand has a role to play in the response.

"We're part of the UN Security Council, we're part of the machinery that has been bypassed by the North Korean leadership, and therefore we as a country have a big stake in trying to bring North Korea to account."