The Greens say Prime Minister John Key's decision not to meet with the Dalai Lama is disappointing.

Tibet's spiritual leader visits New Zealand for two days next month. Mr Key denies his decision is a result of pressure from the Chinese Government. He says US President Barack Obama and Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd are also not meeting with the Dalai Lama.

Green MP Keith Locke says the Prime Minister is effectively telling the Chinese that New Zealand does not care about the Tibetan people and their cause. He says it is interesting that Mr Key was bold enough to meet the Dalai Lama while in opposition, but has caved in to pressure now he is in government. He says the plight of Tibetans will not be advanced if countries such as New Zealand stand aside and effectively say they do not respect the Dalai Lama as the leader of the Tibetan people and will not talk with him.

The Dalai Lama's New Zealand representatives are surprised about Mr Key's decision.

Neil Cameron from the Dalai Lama Visit Trust New Zealand says at least the last time the Dalai Lama visited when the Labour Government was in power, he was able to meet with a minister.

"There was the issue around Helen Clark not meeting directly with him, but at least we met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs. We did attempt to meet with the current Minister of Foreign Affairs but he is out of the country."

Mr Cameron says the trust is pleased that Labour leader Phil Goff will meet with the Dalai Lama.