NZ's relationship with Fiji thaws

New Zealand has resumed military ties with Fiji after an eight-year freeze.

The move marks the end of our sanctions against the island nation following a military coup.

There's a world of difference between Frank Bainimarama being military coup leader and a democratically-elected Prime Minister - and the payoff is an armed forces reunion.

“It means we'll probably train alongside each other where there are opportunities to do that,” says Prime Minister John Key.

The resurrection of military ties will be marked this weekend with a New Zealand Air Force surveillance mission in Fiji waters.

“It's our recommitment back as a Defence Force into Fiji and assisting them where we can. From an Air Force perspective that would be patrolling of the Exclusive Economic Zone,” says Air Vice-Marshall Mike Yardley, Chief of Air Force.

The previously warm friendship between New Zealand and Fiji soured in December 2006 when Commodore Frank Bainimarama announced: “The military has taken over the Government.”

The relationship deteriorated further. At its worst, New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji was expelled, closely followed by the next two heads of mission.

“Absolutely disgraceful behaviour by the Government of Fiji,” then-Prime Minister Helen Clark said in June 2007.

But the freeze thawed last year after Frank Bainimarama stepped down as military commander and he was allowed into New Zealand to campaign for the upcoming election.

“We thank the New Zealand Government for recognising the development that we have put in place,” Bainimarama said in August 2014.

The relationship between the two militaries is important given Fiji's strategic location.


SOURCE: TVNZ