New Zealand Defence Force and Police personnel are heading to Honiara, Solomon Islands. Photo: NZ Defence Force
New Zealand Defence Force and Police personnel are heading to Honiara, Solomon Islands, on Thursday to assist with the restoration of peace and order.
Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta said the personnel would maintain peace rather than get involved in domestic politics.
The island nation has been roiled by civil violence in the past week, resulting in the torching of most businesses in the capital Honiara's Chinatown district.
Mahuta said New Zealand would support Australia, Fiji and PNG personnel who are already there.
"In relation to the rioting, the damage to property, the impact on the community, it is a matter for us to support as we have been asked to. We will do that as a third party state," she told RNZ.
The Adkonect printing complex in Ranadi was among dozens of businesses destroyed in the riots. Photo: Supplied/Namoi Kaluae
She said a looming vote of no-confidence in the Solomons prime minister Manasseh Sogavare could trigger more violence.
"It is a potential flashpoint and we are anticipating that may lead to potential further rioting. But again the presence of an international peacekeeping effort often has a role to play to try and calm things down."
Mahuta said the New Zealand personnel will be there for the next 30 days or so.
"Under our kotahitanga principle the New Zealand contingent will work to support the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, and also alongside counterparts from Australia, Papua New Guinea and Fiji.
New Zealand Defence Force and Police personnel are heading to Honiara, Solomon Islands. Photo: NZ Defence Force
"New Zealand has a deep and long-standing partnership with Solomon Islands, and we assured them of our willingness to support our Pacific whanau through this difficult time."
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern added that "New Zealand is committed to its responsibilities and playing its part in upholding regional security".
The Prime Minister stated that New Zealand was "…deeply concerned by the recent civil unrest and rioting in Honiara, and following yesterday's request of the Solomon Islands Government, we have moved quickly to provide urgent assistance to help restore sustained peace and security.
Ardern acknowledged the difficulty of the situation that New Zealand personnel would be facing. "Every deployment brings its risks and challenges, but our people have vast experience in the Pacific region and are amongst some of the most highly skilled when it comes to deescalating conflict,"
An initial assessment team, of about 15 New Zealand Defence Force personnel, are being deployed, and a larger group, of up to 50 NZDF and NZ Police would follow at the end of the week.
Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta Photo: RNZ / Dom Thomas
NZ Police and NZDF would also work alongside personnel from Australia, Papua New Guinea and Fiji, to assist with the restoration of law and public order.
Minister of Police, Poto Williams, noted that "New Zealand Police has a long-standing partnership with Solomon Islands, and has had a presence in Honiara for a number of years. Over the past week they have been providing advice and support to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force on the ground, and these extra personnel will provide community liaison and engagement support."
Strict anti-Covid-19 protocols are being observed for this deployment: only double-vaccinated personnel are being deployed, who will also be required to have a negative Covid-19 test before departing.
Upon arrival the Solomon Islands' protocols will be observed and personnel will also have to completed managed isolation upon returning to New Zealand.
The New Zealand High Commission in Honiara provides SafeTravel advice to New Zealanders who are currently in the Solomon Islands: that they need to follow local authorities' instructions and advice, as well as exercising caution.