The Polynesian Leaders Group is growing with three new members welcomed last week at the group's eighth summit held in Tuvalu.

New Zealand, Hawai'i and Easter Island or Rapanui add to the group's existing nine members.

Established in 2011, the group consists of independent or self-governing countries or territories within the geographical region of Polynesia.

Sara Vui-Talitu spoke to the director of the Pasifika Centre at Massey University, Malakai Koloamatangi about the group's expansion.