16 Dec 2008

NZ journalist deported from Fiji

12:00 pm on 16 December 2008

New Zealand television journalist Barbara Dreaver has been detained in Fiji and deported.

Television New Zealand Pacific Affairs correspondent Barbara Dreaver was put on a flight back to New Zealand on Tuesday.

TVNZ head of news and current affairs Anthony Flannery told Morning Report Ms Dreaver was taken into custody on Monday night, shortly after she arrived in Fiji.

He said TVNZ had been in contact with Ms Dreaver during the process of her detention and again on Tuesday morning.

Mr Flannery said the correspondent had no concerns about her wellbeing.

Prime Minister John Key said an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affair and Trade was refused access on Monday to assist her.

He said that is unacceptable and the Government will be taking up the matter with the Fiji authorities.

The detention comes amid reports that Fiji may expel New Zealand's acting high commissioner.

Radio New Zealand understands Fiji has threatened to expel Caroline McDonald unless New Zealand grants an exception to its travel ban on family members of the military and the interim Government.