Helen Clark is calling for the international community to do more to help countries affected by the scores of refugees fleeing conflict in Syria.
The United Nations Development Programme administrator is reiterating the UN's plea for international governments to step up their response to Europe's migrant crisis.
It follows more drownings at sea with the sinking of several boats off the coast of Libya, as well as the discovery of dozens of dead migrants in an abandoned truck in Austria.
The former Prime Minister told TV3 while every country could do more in terms of accepting refugees, the basic problem is the ongoing conflict in Syria.
She said more support is needed to help neighbouring countries host the large numbers of people who are fleeing.
She points out humanitarian relief spending has tripled over the past decade, and it's still not enough.
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