Kiwi journalists detained in Israel 'safe and well'

Maori Television journalist Ruwani Perera. Photo / Supplied

Two Maori Television journalists are expected to arrive in New Zealand from Israel tomorrow, after the activist ship they were on board was detained by the Israeli navy.

Native Affairs senior reporter Ruwani Perera and cameraman Jacob Bryant were part of a flotilla of four boats carrying pro-Palestine activists attempting to break Gaza's blockade.

Ms Perera and Mr Bryant were both safe and well and were expected to arrive back in New Zealand tomorrow, Maori TV head of news and current affairs Maramena Roderick said.

Maori TV staff were working with authorities at the New Zealand embassy in Ankara, Turkey, to support the crew, she said.

"Foreign Affairs says their embassy staff in Ankara had informed them that both Ruwani and Jacob have been treated well and with respect by local authorities," Ms Roderick said.

"We appreciate the assistance of embassy officials to bring our crew home. The contingencies plans we had all worked so carefully on [are] now falling into place."

The safety of the Maori TV crew was a priority for the network, Ms Roderick said.

"Our team is committed to their safe return home."

The ship Ms Perera and Mr Bryant were on - Swedish-flagged Marianne of Gothenburg, as part of the Freedom Flotilla III - had been at sea for 10 days.