Storm-zone Kiwis told to sign up

Kiwis in Fiji and the Solomons have been told to register on a safe-travel website as the two cyclones bore down on the countries.

Foreign Affairs staff confirmed last night that 470 New Zealanders are registered in Fiji - which was bracing for Cyclone Tomas - and about 60 in the Solomons, where Cyclone Ului struck.

Phillip Taula, acting head of the NZ High Commission in Suva, said wooden storm shutters were in place at his residence.

"It's pretty windy and there is some rain, but it's expected to get worse through the night. It's just sort of a waiting game at this point."

About six New Zealanders work at the high commission, and all had stocked up on food and water.

Yesterday, Prime Minister John Key said at his post-Cabinet press conference that "the advice to New Zealanders in relation to Cyclone Tomas is that they should register and follow instructions issued by local authorities".

"Cyclone Tomas has increased to a category-four storm with destructive hurricane-force winds. It is anticipated the full impact of the storm will be felt later this evening or overnight."

People planning to travel to Fiji have been advised to check with their travel agents.

Air New Zealand cancelled flights to and from Fiji yesterday, affecting about 200 people.

Spokeswoman Tracy Mills said the airline would monitor the cyclones and would advise passengers of any changes.

Pacific Blue - which flies to Nadi via Australia - also cancelled its Fiji flights yesterday, affecting about 350 people.

New Zealand Defence Force staff were last night preparing to head for Fiji or the Solomons, but had not been called up.

* New Zealanders are advised to register their whereabouts and watch for updates on the website safetravel.govt.nz

- Additional reporting Vaimoana Tapaleao