'Risk' after tit-for-tat expulsions in Fiji

Kiwi travellers are being warned there is "some risk" to their safety in Fiji and that they should not expect diplomatic assistance.

The warnings follow tit-for-tat expulsions, with Fiji ejecting New Zealand and Australian diplomats.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully yesterday declared Fiji's acting head of mission in Wellington, Kuliniasi Seru Savou, "persona non grata" – effectively an order to leave the country. That was in response to New Zealand's head of mission in Fiji, Todd Cleaver, being told to leave Suva by Fijian authorities.

Australia announced yesterday it was ejecting Fiji's high commissioner in Canberra in response to the expulsion of its High Commissioner, James Bartley, from Suva.

The dispute follows accusations by interim Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama that Fijian judge Anjala Wati was treated poorly by New Zealand immigration officials.

Wati had applied for a travel-ban waiver to seek medical treatment for her son in New Zealand. The travel ban targets those linked with the Fijian Government.

Bainimarama said Wati was "harassed and humiliated" by the New Zealand High Commission in Suva, and that her visa included a provision that there be "no shopping" while in the country.

However, McCully said his inquiries found that Wati's application had been handled correctly and promptly. "My own checks have found the criticism is not warranted," he said. "I can confirm that her application for a visa to travel to New Zealand was dealt with by officials within two to three working days, and dispensation granting the visa was signed off by myself and Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman the same day we received the application. Judge Wati is in New Zealand with her son, who is receiving the medical treatment he requires." McCully said in terms of diplomatic relations with Fiji "we've had our ups and downs, and today we're having a down". He said there were reports that Cleaver had been given just 24 hours to leave Fiji.

However, he expected Fiji to honour the Geneva Convention, which allowed diplomats a "reasonable" period to get their affairs in order if expelled.

The New Zealand High Commission in Suva has been closed while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs assesses its ability to provide consular functions.

McCully said the high commission would have fewer staff and was unable to provide its normal services.

"New Zealanders travelling to Fiji should now be aware that the level of assistance the high commission can provide may be affected due to the depleted staff numbers," McCully said.

A new travel advisory warns New Zealanders there is "some risk" to their safety in Fiji and that visitors should "exercise particular caution and maintain a low profile".

Cleaver is the third diplomat to be told to leave Fiji, following the former high commissioner Michael Green and his successor, Caroline McDonald.

"We've lost three heads of mission now, which is quite unfortunate, but there are some circumstances there which don't seem to be changing in a hurry," McCully said.

Bainimarama said the heads of the Australian and New Zealand diplomatic missions had refused to engage with his government. "They misinform Canberra and Wellington and wage a negative campaign against the Government and people of Fiji."

- © Fairfax NZ News