Fiji PM returns serve to Jones on Ardern

Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama has challenged radio shock jock Alan Jones to repeat remarks he made about the New Zealand leader to children on Tuvalu.

Jones on Thursday criticised New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern after she said "Australia has to answer to the Pacific" on climate change during the Pacific Islands Forum in Tuvalu.

The Sydney radio host said Ms Ardern was a "joke" for preaching about climate change, claiming that New Zealand's carbon dioxide had increased per capita more than Australia's since 1990.

He said Australian prime minister Scott Morrison should "shove a sock down her throat".

Mr Bainimarama took to Twitter to return serve to Jones, saying it was easy for the broadcaster to make such remarks from the comfort of a radio studio.

"The people of the Pacific, forced to abandon their homes due to climate change, don't have that luxury," he tweeted.

"Try saying that to a Tuvaluan child pleading for help."

Former Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull liked Mr Bainimarama's tweet.

"Well said Frank," Mr Turnbull tweeted. "Jones should also apologise to @jacindaardern for his latest misogynistic rant."

New Zealand is emerging as a strong ally with Fiji, with Mr Bainimarama also earlier tweeting about the benefits of having such an ally in tackling climate change.

"Together, we can save Tuvalu, the Pacific, and the world. Vinaka vakalevu (thank you) for the passion you bring to this fight."