New Zealand acting Prime Minister Winston Peters has suggested Australia should change its flag to include "a big kangaroo".

Peters comments follow a trading of barbs between politicians across the Tasman as New Zealand's government continues to criticise the deportation of hundreds of its citizens from Australia.

Last week, Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton replied by taking a swipe at New Zealand's security efforts in the region, saying Australia did a lot of heavy lifting for its neighbours.

Winston Peters made the remarks in retaliation to Peter Dutton's earlier comments. Image: AAP (AAP)

Peter Dutton says people smugglers are using New Zealand as a destination (AAP)

It came after Kiwi Justice Minister Andrew Little said Australia's deportation regime lacked "humanitarian ideals" and was the product of "venal" politics, a position he has since doubled down on.

"Every country has the sovereign right to make their own laws. But when those laws threaten human rights, then we should call it out," Mr Little wrote in the Spinoff last Thursday in reply to Mr Dutton.

Winston Peters is filling in for Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern while she is on maternity leave. (AAP