PNG election to have New Zealand observers

New Zealand is sending two people and putting $150,000 towards a team to monitor provincial elections on the Papua New Guinea island of Bougainville.

Foreign Minister Phil Goff said Dr Andrew Ladley, director of Victoria University's Institute of Policy Studies, and former High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea Nigel Moore would join the 11-strong team.

"Both Dr Ladley and Mr Moore are well known to Papua New Guinea and are well qualified to be part of the observer team. Their participation is consistent with New Zealand's long-standing engagement in Bougainville and support for the peace process there," Mr Goff said.

The observers would ensure the elections were valid and complied with good governance principles.

"The election is a significant marker for the people of Bougainville. It is an important step in securing the future prosperity of the island, and represents the final chapter in a peace process that has taken many years," Mr Goff said.

New Zealand's observer contribution is under the banner of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. Dr Ladley and Mr Moore will join observers from the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Forum Secretariat, Australia, Japan and the United Nations in monitoring the election from 20 May to 2 June.

- NZPA