6 Aug 2014

No Bainimarama meetings planned - NZ

7:20 am on 6 August 2014

The New Zealand Government says there will be no official meetings or engagement with Frank Bainimarama during his New Zealand visit this week.

The Foreign Minister Murray McCully says Fiji's Prime Minister is making a private visit for campaign purposes.

Wellington says it will provide Rear Admiral Frank Bainimarama with transport to and from the airport, a basic level of service to facilitate his trip.

The former military commander is among regime members who were banned from New Zealand as part of sanctions against Fiji which were lifted in March this year.

West Papuan activist Paula Makabori looks at Fiji leader Frank Bainimarama.

West Papuan activist Paula Makabori looks at Fiji leader Frank Bainimarama. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades

Frank Bainimarama is standing for election in September, the first polls since he seized power in the 2006 coup.

He plans to raise funds for his political party, FijiFirst, and meet members of Fiji's expatriate community during his weekend visit to Auckland.

Mr McCully says he is encouraged by Fiji's progress towards democracy and New Zealand is looking forward to engaging officially with an elected Fiji government.