New Zealand is set to provide logistics support for the upcoming Solomon Islands election.
Foreign Minister, Winston Peters and Defence Minister, Judith Collins, today announced New Zealand would send a team of NZDF personnel and two NH90 helicopters to provide support for the 17 April election, at the request of Solomon Islands’ Electoral Commission.
“They will help transport election officers and materials around Solomon Islands in what is an excellent opportunity for our personnel to work again with the Solomon Islands’ Government and alongside Australian counterparts in support of regional peace and security,” said Ms Collins.
Mr Peters said the deployment is part of a NZD$10.8 million election support programme announced in January.
“In addition to the deployment, the programme includes funding towards the Commission’s election preparation and management, technical support from the New Zealand Electoral Commission, and an independent observer mission,” he said.
“New Zealand’s overall contribution will support the Commission to lead the delivery of a safe and successful election. It demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to a resilient democracy in Solomon Islands and the wider Pacific region.”
HMNZS Canterbury will leave Auckland tomorrow to transport the helicopters and crew, command and maintenance personnel to Honiara.
The Ministers said New Zealand had a long history of supporting elections in the Pacific, including providing a similar level of logistics support during Solomon Islands 2019 election alongside the Australian Defence Force.
