The HMNZS Canterbury will leave Auckland on Tuesday to transport the helicopters and crew, command and maintenance personnel to Honiara. Photo: NZ Defence Force
New Zealand will offer Solomon Islands logistics support ahead of the 17 April polls to ensure the Melanesian nation delivers "a safe and successful election".
Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins said on Monday the assistance is part of a NZ$10.8 million election support programme announced in January and will include the deployment of the NZ Defence Force personnel and two NH90 helicopters.
It is in response to a request made by the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission, they said, adding the HMNZS Canterbury will leave Auckland on Tuesday to transport the helicopters and crew, command and maintenance personnel to Honiara.
"They will help transport election officers and materials around Solomon Islands in what is an excellent opportunity for our personnel to work again with the Solomon Islands' Government and alongside Australian counterparts in support of regional peace and security," Collings said.
Peters said NZ will also provide funding towards the Commission's election preparation and management, technical support from the New Zealand Electoral Commission, and an independent observer mission.
"New Zealand's overall contribution will support the Commission to lead the delivery of a safe and successful election," he said.
He said NZ's support demonstrated its "commitment to a resilient democracy in Solomon Islands and the wider Pacific region."
New Zealand provided similar support during Solomon Islands previous polls in 2019 alongside the Australian Defence Force.
A student cast her ballot paper in the ballot box during the mock polling on 22 February 2024. Photo: Solomon Islands Electoral Commission