A police vehicle drives through the Chinatown district of Honiara on the Solomon Islands, after a third day of violence that saw the city reduced to ruins. Photo / Charley Pirangi, AFP, RNZ
A police vehicle drives through the Chinatown district of Honiara on the Solomon Islands, after a third day of violence that saw the city reduced to ruins. Photo / Charley Pirangi, AFP, RNZ
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said on Friday evening, the High Commission in Honiara is providing SafeTravel advice to New Zealanders in the Solomon Islands.
This includes following the instructions of the local authorities.
The spokesperson said any New Zealanders in the Solomons who have not registered with SafeTravel are advised to do so as soon as possible.
There are 43 New Zealanders registered on SafeTravel, all believed to be in Honiara.
New Zealanders in Solomon Islands are also urged to exercise care and remain where they are if it is safe to do so, a MFAT spokesperson said in a statement.
"Since 19 March 2020 we have advised all New Zealanders do not travel overseas," the spokesperson said.
Photo / RNZ Pacific, Georgina Kekea
No request for help from Solomons govt - NZ
Earlier, New Zealand's Trade Minister David Parker issued a statement as acting foreign affairs minister, with Nanaia Mahuta overseas on her first official trip.
Parker said New Zealand had not received any requests for assistance from the Solomons Government.
"New Zealand is a long-standing partner of Solomon Islands, and there are deep and enduring connections between our two countries," Parker said.
"Our engagement in Solomon Islands is guided by the principle of tātou tātou, or all of us acting together for the common good.
"We stand with the Government and people of Solomon Islands through this difficult time," Parker said.
Australia has deployed police and defence force personnel following a request from Sogavare.
Community step in to help police
RNZ Pacific correspondent in Honiara Georgina Kekea said police had been able to contain the crowd from going into the main CBD area in Honiara.
She said most of the rioting and looting has been taking place in Chinatown and not so much in the west side of Honiara.
A group protecting one of the buildings in Chinatown. Our correspondent said only six buildings were left standing after three days of looting and riots. Photo / Georgina Kekea, RNZ
Kekea said members of the community in West Honiara came forward to help the police and make sure people do not damage shops or buildings along the CBD.
"Friday afternoon, some of the mothers and people in the Henderson community marched along the main CBD asking those participating in the riots to just stay back.
