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.
Pacific Games Council CEO Andrew Minogue said that's almost one third of the 26-sport programme on offer in Samoa.
"Once we get through next year's Games and into the 2020s I think you will see that program of their involvement continue to grow and the competition platform that the Games provides - qualification to world or Olympic events - that will continue to grow as well," he said.
