Wellington, Sep 22 (IANS): New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully Monday left for New York to attend the 69th session of the UN General Assembly with the aim of securing a seat in the Security Council.

"During the week I will be meeting with representatives from various countries to discuss New Zealand's candidacy for a seat in the UN Security Council," McCully said in a statement.

"The vote is next month and the General Assembly is an opportunity to demonstrate our credentials and show why a small state, like New Zealand, deserves a place in the Security Council," Xinhua quoted McCully as saying.

McCully is scheduled to deliver New Zealand's statement in the general debate Sep 29.

New Zealand is competing against Spain and Turkey for one of the non-permanent seats in the UN Security Council.

The General Assembly is also an opportunity to ensure that the views of New Zealand and its Pacific neighbours were heard in global discussions, McCully said.