The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has warned that there is "some risk" for tourists in Fiji, after its top diplomat was expelled from the country.
Michael Green, New Zealand's high commissioner in Fiji, was ejected by the Pacific nation's interim military regime, which leveled the accusation that Mr Green was involved in planning a mutiny with other foreign envoys.
Commodore Voreque Bainimarama, army chief and interim prime minister said in a statement that Mr Green was "persona non-grata" for "interfering in Fiji's domestic affairs".
New Zealand had, along with Australia, the US, the EU and many Pacific states, condemned the military coup in December 2006 that saw Bainimarama install himself as leader.
In response to the expulsion of Mr Green, as well as the blacklisting of a New Zealand journalist, prime minister Helen Clark has called for a UN review into Fiji's role in peacekeeping missions.
Talking to Radio New Zealand, Clark said: "We've cancelled talks due to occur in the next few days on the continental shelf determination. We will press our case at the UN for not deploying the forces of Fiji."
In response to Mr Green's ejection, she said: "We're not about to rush in and replace the high commissioner. We'll certainly be looking to see whether there's other areas of contact with the Fiji government that can reasonably be terminated."
