The Tripsters: Fiji coup leaves New Zealanders uncertain

By COLIN MOORE Travel editor

Nearly half of the Herald's Tripster team are doubtful about the safety of a holiday in Fiji and say they would not go there at present.

And despite the New Zealand Government removing its warning against travel to Fiji, some Tripsters say they will now never visit the country as a protest against racist polices introduced since the attempted coup by George Speight.

Travel asked the Tripsters whether they felt it was safe to visit Fiji, whether they would consider visiting during the next 12 months, whether they would consider visiting if the price was considerably cheaper than for similar tropical resorts, and whether they would take their children.

Our panel was evenly split on safety.

"We've been to Fiji and found it a lovely place to visit, but until the political situation changes radically we do not feel it is a safe place to revisit," says Rayna Knighton, of Tauranga.

"No, I do not believe Fiji is safe, especially with George Speight's trial for treason in progress," says Jacqueline Scott, of Whangamata.

"There is likely to be a backlash from his supporters if they disagree with the verdict. Indian Fijians are still being harassed and the potential for aggressively pursued land claims is very real."

Scott experienced similar circumstances during previous travels. In 1998 in Bilbao, northern Spain, she had to beat a hasty retreat from armed conflict between the military and Basque Separatists. And in Yugoslavia in 1990 she faced waving guns and had "visions of our bodies never being found."

"On both occasions we were able to simply drive out of the country," she says. "When you are on an island and trouble looms, you do not have that option."

Others, however, have no concerns over security.

"I was in Fiji for 10 days during the final part of the coup when the hostages were released," says Stevie Herd, of Auckland. "I felt perfectly safe then. Mind you I was in Nadi not Suva, and I would say that right now it is the best place to go for a bargain holiday.

"I would definitely go again in the next 12 months and I would also take the children.

"It's got to be the best place to go in the Pacific at the moment as there are offers galore."

Catherine Smith, of Auckland, says Queensland resorts bear no comparison to the "simplicity and charming people of Fiji. That is one of the benefits of Fiji. They welcome children. It's as close to a kid-free holiday as parents can find."

Several Tripsters give Fiji a guarded yes. "I'd feel safe to visit Fiji but I would avoid staying in the main centres such as Suva, Nadi or Lautoka," replies Margaret Dickson, of Auckland.

Says Sara Millard, of Castor Bay: "I feel safe to travel to the islands but I would try to avoid an overnight stop on the mainland. I would definitely consider it and would take my child."



For some Tripsters there is more to the issue.



"It is an ethical and moral decision [not to go]," says David Wills, of West Auckland. "I do not wish to visit a country with racist policies and leadership."

Says Graham Beattie, of Parnell: "I will almost certainly never go to Fiji on holiday again as I believe by going you are supporting the racist situation."