The New Zealand government Wednesday condemned the launch of a satellite using long-range ballistic missile technology by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully said the DPRK had once again blatantly defied United Nations Security Council resolutions and ignored international appeals not to proceed with the launch.

"This action can only aggravate tensions on the Korean Peninsula and set back efforts to build peace and stability in the region," McCully said in a statement.

"New Zealand urges North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons and missile programs, focus its resources on improving the lives of its people, and engage constructively with the international community."

In April, New Zealand joined other nations in condemning the DPRK's failed attempt to launch a satellite.

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