Sir Don McKinnon says a boost to foreign aid in the Pacific is a win-win for us - and those receiving it.

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has secured $700-million for international aid, primarily to be spent in the Pacific.

McKinnon, a former Foreign Affairs Minister, says we don't spend half as much on aid as other developed nations, including those in Scandinavia.

He told Kate Hawkesby the Pacific is an uncertain area on our doorstep, and we need to play a bigger part to ensure its stability.

"If we can help boost their economies in different ways education and throughout the programs, well that will be all the good to them and to us in the long run."