NZ contingent heads to strife-torn Solomons

About 50 New Zealand police officers and soldiers left from Auckland and Ohakea yesterday, destined for the Solomon Islands following unrest in the capital, Honiara. The Solomons Government had asked for help following rioting driven by anger at the nation’s strengthening links with China. Australia, Fiji and Papua New Guinea have already sent personnel, and an advance New Zealand contingent left on Thursday. The deployment is expected to last several weeks.