New Zealand's relationship with Fiji is continuing to thaw, with the two sides getting together to discuss health issues in the Pacific.

Associate Health Minister Sam Lotu-Iiga was in Fiji last week for the 11th Pacific Health Ministers meeting.

The topics of smoking and obesity are set to top the agenda, and the Health Minister believes the chief woes in the islands are similar to the problems suffered by Pacific people living in New Zealand.

"We've got to share some of our experiences, and also learn from our Pacific neighbours as to what may work and what might not work."

Lotu-Iiga says such trips stopped after Fiji's coup, but now it's important to start rebuilding those relationships.

"One of the best ways to do that is to sit down face-to-face with our colleagues, not just me as a minister, but there will be officials there having discussions alongside me."