The Pacific Games Council expects the involvement of Australian and New Zealand athletes will continue to grow in the coming years but said any further expansion will be on their terms.

The Trans-Tasman neighbours have been invited to compete in eight sports at next year’s Games in Apia, up from four in Port Moresby in 2015.

Athletes from Australia and New Zealand featured in weightlifting, sailing, rugby sevens and taekwondo at the 2015 Games in Papua New Guinea.

The Pacific Games will be held in Apia, Samoa next year.