Accidental death ruling unlikely to alter Solomons travel advice

10.00am

New Zealand is unlikely to downgrade its advisory against travel to Solomon Islands even if a preliminary finding that the death of New Zealand's deputy high commissioner was accidental is confirmed next month.

Many in the Solomons have welcomed the police finding that Bridget Nichols tripped and accidentally stabbed herself at her home in March this year, saying it would help repair the islands' damaged international reputation.

Tourism groups have said if the finding of accidental death was upheld in court next month they would lobby New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) to downgrade its current travel advisory recommending New Zealanders stay away.

But MFAT spokesman Brad Tattersfield told NZPA this morning the ministry would be unlikely to change its advisory solely in response to official confirmation that Ms Nichols' death was accidental.

"It may prompt us to look at it again but the travel advisory is based on an assessment of the general security situation", which he said was "under constant review".

Earlier this month, MFAT strengthened its advisory against travel to some parts of the Solomons, saying the aftermath of more than two years of conflict in the islands continued to affect law and order .

It singled out the capital Honiara, Guadalcanal and Malaita provinces as well as Western Province as areas not to visit without first contacting the New Zealand High Commission.

High-powered weapons were known to be in Guadalcanal and Malaita and crime was a serious problem, the ministry said.

"Crime, especially crime against property, is endemic. Foreign nationals, including New Zealanders, have been victims of on-going crime, including violent crime," it said.

In February, 39-year-old New Zealander Kevin O'Brien, a Fletcher Construction site manager, was stabbed to death in Honiara. His killer has not been arrested.

MFAT said Solomon Islands police had "a limited capacity to respond to criminal activities", and said hot spots were likely to flare up without warning.

- NZPA