The Fijian military coup in 2006 is ancient history, Prime Minister John Key says - and the time is right for his official visit.
Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama (L) and New Zealand Prime Minister John Key. Photo: SUPPLED / Republika / RNZ
Prime Minister John Key will make an official trip to Fiji next week - the first by a New Zealand prime minister since Fiji's current leader, Frank Bainimarama, seized power.
Mr Key said New Zealand had always been clear that the relationship between the two countries would be normalised once Fiji returned to free and fair elections.
Fiji held elections in 2014.
Mr Key said he wanted to see the reconstruction work carried out by the New Zealand Defence Force following Cyclone Winston.
"The visit marks a significant milestone in the renewal of the political and diplomatic relationship between New Zealand and Fiji.
"It will be the first time in a decade a New Zealand prime minister has visited Fiji, I look forward to discussing a wide range of issues with Prime Minister Bainimarama, including Fiji's recovery from Cyclone Winston."
MrKey will be in Suva on 9 and 10 June.