Solomon Islands unrest: Defence force and police staff take off for weeks-long mission

Saturday, 4 December 2021

Kiwi police officers and soldiers are heading to the Solomon Islands after unrest in the capital, Honiara. (First published in December 2021)

New Zealand Defence Force officers and police staff are en route to the Solomon Islands, following a plea for help from its government.

The Solomon Islands Government formally requested assistance from New Zealand on Tuesday, following riots driven in part by anger over the Honiara-based government’s strengthening links to the People's Republic of China.

Defence Minister Peeni Henare previously said 15 army staff were sent on Thursday.

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Around 65 NZDF and police staff have been deployed on the mission.

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Stuff understands the mission will span over several weeks.

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A C-130 Hercules (pictured) and Boeing 757 were deployed from Ohakea and Auckland RNZAF bases on Saturday morning.

On Saturday morning, the main contingent of about 50 Defence and police staff, vehicles and equipment, departed from Royal New Zealand Air Force bases in Ohakea and Auckland on a Boeing 757 and C-130 Hercules.

The Defence Force also shared a video and photos of the contingent preparing for the mission.

Earlier in the week, troops on the high readiness list received orders to return to base at Linton, Stuff understands.

In a statement on Wednesday evening, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern expressed concern over the situation.

“We are deeply concerned by the recent civil unrest and rioting in Honiara, and . . . we have moved quickly to provide urgent assistance to help restore sustained peace and security.

“Every deployment brings its risks and challenges, but our people have vast experience in the Pacific region and are amongst some of the most highly skilled when it comes to de-escalating conflict,” she said.

Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta said the deployment was a “short-term, immediate response”.

The Government has not said how long it will last, but Stuff understands it will span several weeks.