NZ pilots released by Fiji rebels

12:00 PM

The Fijian military has confirmed the release of the two New Zealand pilots taken hostage by rebels on the island of Vanua Levu.

Military spokesman Major Howard Politini says the men were freed from Naibalebale village this morning following the intervention of the village chief.

The pilots, Maurice Parsons and James Henry, are both in good health.

They were taken to Air Fiji offices in Savusavu and are now back at the airline's headquarters at Nausori.

Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Jocelyn Prasad said the pair were treated well while they were held hostage.

The pilots were seized by gunmen from their Air Fiji plane at the Savusavu airport yesterday and taken to Naibalebale village.

No demands were made for their release but the rebels insisted on talking to the military.

Jocelyn Prasad says Foreign affairs has been in touch with the men's next of kin but does not know at this stage if the pilots will return to New Zealand.

- IRN