Clark, Burton to visit New Zealand team in Solomons

Prime Minister Helen Clark and Defence Minister Mark Burton will visit the Solomon Islands next week.

They will travel on an Air Force Hercules taking supplies and personnel to the Solomons capital, Honiara.

New Zealand has about 230 military and 35 police staff attached to an Australian-led mission that moved in to restore order to the strife-torn Pacific nation.

The islands were torn by ethnic conflict, almost bankrupt and on the verge of collapse before the mission arrived in July.

New Zealand's defence force contingent is made up of four helicopters and crews, headquarters support staff, logistics, communications, an engineering element, an infantry company and a small medical group.

Helen Clark said the trip would allow her and Mr Burton to see the work the New Zealanders had been doing in the islands. The pair will also meet Prime Minister Sir Allan Kemakeza, other leaders and the heads of the Regional Assistance Mission.

Helen Clark said she would discuss with the Solomons Government what further assistance might be required.

More than 2000 personnel from New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Tonga and Papua New Guinea are taking part in the mission.

- NZPA