27 Apr 2010

NZ judge returns to Vanuatu

6:09 am on 27 April 2010

The New Zealand judge who was forced to leave Vanuatu earlier in April has returned to work in Port Vila.

Justice Nevin Dawson and his family had faced intimidation after he wrote a coroner's report highly critical of the police, particularly the paramilitary unit - the Vanuatu Mobile Force.

He left Vanuatu three weeks ago after reportedly cancelling social engagements at the last minute, telling friends he had just 24 hours to pack to return to New Zealand.

A spokesperson for New Zealand's Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully said at the time that officials had decided it was best for the judge and his family to take a holiday to New Zealand until they could be sure of his safety in Vanuatu.

No action has yet been taken over Justice Dawson's report, although the Minister of Internal Affairs in Vanuatu has been promising a Commission of Inquiry will be set up.

Transparency International says a further inquiry is not needed and the Government should immediately take action on Justice Dawson's recommendations.