New Zealand troops have been given permission to go on patrol alongside their Tongan colleagues.
Ministers yesterday gave the go-head for the soldiers to do more than than guard the international airport and can now enter the riot-torn streets of the capital Nuku'alofa.
In another development, it wasreported that China was preparing to evacuate its nationals from Tonga.
Radio New Zealand quoted a Chinese diplomat in Nuku'Alofa, which was devastated by rioters looting and burning buildings, as saying about 200 people were being cared for at the Chinese embassy or in a hotel. Those who wanted to leave would be repatriated on a charter flight.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the defence force and police acting in the joint force with Australia would help authorities maintain law and order so the reform process could proceed peacefully. He rejected suggestions that New Zealand had effectively sided with the Government by deploying personnel to Tonga.
"Our people are in Tonga to help get life back to normal. Our presence is not about taking sides. New Zealand has been fully supportive of peaceful democratic reform in Tonga.
"It is up to the people of Tonga to determine the pace and direction of change, but this needs to happen in an atmosphere conducive to maintaining broad public support for the process."
Mr Peters said the Tongan Government had shown it was intent on reform and New Zealand would support this if requested.
Tonga's king was expected to break his silence on the unrest, as Australia warned of the potential for more violence.
