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A contingent of New Zealand police, believed to be members of the elite Special Tactics Group, is being sent to Fiji as a "precautionary measure".
Police HQ yesterday confirmed that a "very small police team" would travel to Fiji to support the New Zealand High Commission and its staff.
Superintendent Ray Van Beynen, commander of police national tactical groups, would not comment on how many staff were going or whether they were attached to the Special Tactics Group but said the team would be in Fiji by later today.
"In the event of an evacuation they would be able to assist in that, but that is highly unlikely," he said.
"Things there are relatively calm at the moment and we're doing it purely as a precautionary measure."
Van Beynen said the Fiji Government was aware of the "low key" move, which comes after Canberra deployed two warships in case Australians have to be evacuated if there is a military coup.
Prime Minister John Howard said the deployment was a sensible precaution.
"The purpose of them going is to be ready if evacuation of Australians is needed and resources are available to assist in relation to that."
However, Fiji's acting military commander, Captain Esala Teleni, said the armed forces did not intend to stage a coup.
A day after the nation's military chief, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, warned from overseas of violence and bloodshed if Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase refused to quit, Captain Teleni visited Mr Qarase's office for talks. He would not say what the two discussed, but late, he told a parade of 1000 soldiers and reservists at Suva's Queen Elizabeth Barracks that the armed forces were not planning to oust the Government.
"Let me reassure you and everyone that, contrary to rumours, we are not here to conduct a coup. Forget it. We are not here for that."
Commodore Bainimarama is in dispute with the Qarase Administration over planned legislation that could forgive participants in the 2000 coup led by George Speight.
Meanwhile, the head of the Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau said yesterday that the situation in the nation's resort areas was normal.
"Flights are arriving and departing from Nadi Airport as usual, hotels and resorts are operating normally, the shops are open and people are smiling," chief executive Bill Govoka said.
He believed the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade had over-reacted in its warnings to visitors of "an uncertain security situation" with the possibility of action by the Fiji military against the Government.
New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has also issued travel advice, recommending that people planning a trip to Fiji monitor media reports and visit the ministry's website.
"In the event of the situation deteriorating, New Zealanders in Fiji are unlikely to be targeted but should take measures to avoid being caught up inadvertently in any violence, including by avoiding demonstrations and large gatherings," the ministry said.
