WELLINGTON - New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully urged the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to stop its threats against South Korea.

The DPRK announced on Saturday it was entering a "state of war" with South Korea and promised stern physical actions against any provocative act.

The country has threatened attacks almost daily since it was sanctioned by the United Nations for a third nuclear test on February 12.

McCully said in a statement on Sunday the latest threats are unconstructive and risk aggravating tensions.

He said the New Zealand government does not want to see further set backs to peace and stability in the region, and it's urging the DPRK to abide by its obligations under United Nations Security Council resolutions.