New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta said in a statement: "Aotearoa New Zealand is deeply concerned at the coup in Myanmar. We do not recognise the legitimacy of the military-led government and we call on the military to immediately release all detained political leaders and restore civilian rule."

“As a result of these concerns, New Zealand is suspending all high-level political and military contact with Myanmar,” Nanaia Mahuta said.

“I have also directed that New Zealand’s aid programme to Myanmar should not include projects that are delivered with, or benefit, the military government," she said.

"The Government has also agreed to implement a travel ban, to be formalised in the coming week, on Myanmar’s military leaders," she said.

Myanmar's military on February 1 carried out a coup and arrested State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and other top officials after accusing them of election fraud.

The military has declared a state of emergency for one year, promising to hold a new election after it expires.