KEY POINTS:
Pramesh Chand, the military-appointed head of Commodore Voreqe (Frank) Bainimarama's interim government in Fiji, is in Auckland to tend to his sick wife.
None of the members of Cdre Bainimarama's interim government have been allowed to visit New Zealand since Cdre Bainimarama seized power in a bloodless coup last December.
The Fiji Times has reported that Mr Chand was allowed into New Zealand on compassionate and humanitarian grounds after his wife became ill.
Mr Chand, the former South Pacific trade commissioner based in Auckland, had in recent weeks condemned New Zealand for its sanctions, the Dominion Post newspaper reported.
He is permanent secretary in the Prime Minister's office. Cdre Bainimarama overthrew the elected government of Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase in December 2006.
Cdre Bainimarama spent Christmas with Fijian troops serving in the Middle East.
Fijilive has quoted Mr Chand in recent days on the topic of Cdr Bainimarama's trip.
- NZPA
