NZ non-attendance a snub - Fiji

Commodore Frank Bainimarama. Photo / Greg Bowker

Fiji's interim government has accused New Zealand of snubbing it by not attending the Engaging Fiji meeting in Nadi.

The five-member Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) group cancelled its summit in Fiji this month amid lobbying for it to be postponed, and concerns about democracy and governance.

Suva responded by expelling Australia's acting high commissioner and announcing that its own meeting of Pacific leaders, to be called Engaging Fiji, would go ahead next week regardless.

Fiji's self-appointed Prime Minister Voreqe (Frank) Bainimarama accused New Zealand and Australia of causing problems with the MSG.

Today, Fiji's permanent secretary for information, Sharon Smith Johns, said Fiji was not going to be bullied.

"It's the norm for Australia and New Zealand to snub us, so there's no great surprises there," she said of their non-attendance at the meeting.

Prime Minister John Key said last week New Zealand would not attend the meeting,

"New Zealand hasn't done anything ... to undermine the MSG meeting.

"We are not trying to punish Fiji, we are simply trying to get democracy restored," he said.

Ms Smith Johns said 15 nations were expected at the two-day meeting.

"I think (the solid turnout) indicates the support we have in the region, and it is strong support."

Australia was putting more pressure on Fiji than New Zealand at the moment, she said.

"Australia and New Zealand -- they need to back out of our internal affairs.

"We're here running a government and a business and let us run that and drive that forward without the interference."

She said it was "an opportunity for us to discuss the progress the government is making".

Development issues, climate change, bilateral trade agreements, education, transportation, immigration, and inter-island relations would also be discussed.

- NZPA