Tony Abbott in NZ: Military and economic issues dominate talks with John Key at annual leaders' meeting

A new joint military deployment to Iraq has dominated today's annual bi-lateral talks between Prime Minister Tony Abbott and his New Zealand counterpart, John Key.

Mr Abbott this morning sat down for formal talks with Mr Key, as he wrapped up his first official visit to New Zealand as Prime Minister.

Discussions between the leaders were dominated by national security and each country's respective economy.

"As our Kiwi friends may not fully appreciate, Australia has been heavily involved for some months now in the campaign against the Daesh [Islamic State] death cult," Mr Abbott told a press conference after the talks.

"What we are now considering is joining New Zealand on an additional training mission with the Iraqi regular army.

"We still have to finalise our processes in Australia and I expect that that will happen in the next few days."

The leaders also discussed the countries' economic ties, including their desire to see the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) concluded.

"There was as you would expect a broader economic discussion and the commitment on both sides to continue to follow what we saw yesterday was a strong message from Australian and New Zealand business leaders that we want to see further progress in terms of economic integration," Mr Key said.

The annual talks between the leaders of Australia and New Zealand, who are close friends and political allies, have special symbolic significance this year, with both nations preparing to commemorate the centenary of the Anzac landing at Gallipoli.

This week New Zealand announced it would commit up to 143 soldiers as part of the joint military operation, a decision which has sharply divided public opinion.

Asked if he feared this would be his final overseas visit as Prime Minister, Mr Abbott insisted he was getting on with the business of government.

"Obviously I am the subject of the party room and I'm the subject of the electorate," Mr Abbott said.

"And I'm looking forward to continuing to have the confidence of both."

Key says Abbott has 'worked hard' for Australia as spill talk continues

Mr Abbott's leadership remains under pressure, with some Liberal MPs telling the ABC that Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull now has the numbers to win a challenge and should use them.

The Prime Minister has repeatedly brushed aside questions about his leadership.

Mr Key said he did not believe the talk of a leadership spill had overshadowed Mr Abbott's visit.

"We've had incredibly productive discussions today, there's a wide range ever issues we're working on," he said.

"In the time that I've worked alongside Tony Abbott in his capacity as Prime Minister, I believe he's been an outstanding Prime Minister. I think he's worked hard for the people of Australia."

Trade Minister Andrew Robb this morning told Sky News Mr Abbott had earned the right to lead the Coalition to the next election.

"That is usually the disposition of people when they vote a government in, that they would expect the Prime Minister to be given the opportunity to be able to play out his program," he said.

Mr Turnbull told journalists outside his home on Saturday morning that his "key focus politically" was getting New South Wales Premier Mike Baird re-elected in the March state election, and not a leadership spill.

"Everyone who cares about this country and this state ... should be focussed on ensuring that Mike Baird is re-elected. And that's what I'm working on this weekend, " he said.

Mr Baird rejected claims that the growing talk of the spill would impact on his re-election chances and said knuckling down and getting on with the job was the best way to handle the rumblings.

"I've said it, and I'll say it again. There is no doubt the Federal Government is going through its challenges, and I want them to focus on the issues that matter to the people," he said.

"The whole electorate is saying, look after us, deal with the issues that matter to us, internal distractions are never helpful."

Mr Abbott attended this afternoon's Cricket World Cup clash between Australia and New Zealand at Eden Park.

The highly anticipated match in Auckland sold out, and on Friday evening the leaders were able to meet their respective sides at an ICC Gala dinner.