New Zealand's government says it will maintain defence personnel in the Solomon Islands at the request of local authorities until at least December 31, extending a peace-keeping mission by as much as seven months.
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NZ deployed defence force staff to the Pacific nation in late 2021 at the request of the Solomon Islands following anti-government protests alongside defence personnel from Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Australia.
It currently has 15 New Zealand Defence Force personnel deployed there who were originally scheduled to pull out by May 31.
"We are proud to be part of this Australian-co-ordinated, regional effort where police and defence organisations from within the Pacific work together to support the region's own security needs," Defence Minister Andrew Little said.
NZ, Australia and other allies and friends have raised concerns about China signing a security pact with the Solomon Islands and the potential for militarisation of the region.
NZ leaders have repeatedly said security challenges should be dealt with by those in the region. The response to the Solomon Islands has been used to highlight success.
Australian Associated Press
