Acting High Commissioner in Fiji due home 

Source: ONE NewsFrank Bainimarama

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New Zealand's Acting High Commissioner Todd Cleaver is expected back home from Fiji sometime on Thursday, as the diplomatic crisis deepens.

It is still unclear how his departure will affect the operations of the New Zealand High Commission in Fiji, but a travel advisory has been issued to New Zealanders.

In response to his expulsion order by Frank Bainimarama, our government has announced the top Fijian diplomat here in New Zealand will be sent home.

Fiji's military commander is accusing both countries of trying to undermine its instituations after they threatened to extend travel bans to include members of his self-appointed judiciary.

Meanwhile, there is concern the diplomatic row could jeopardise the annual $400 million trade between the two countries.

New Zealand Pacific Business Council chairman Gilbert Ullrich says businesses planning to invest in Fiji might be deterred by this.

He says this is discouraging and if New Zealand isn't doing well on the political front it should look at appointing a Trade Commissioner in Fiji as soon as possible because it could have an effect in our trade.

Ullrich says New Zealand withdrew its trade commissioner from Suva last year.

Travel advisory

Foreign Minister Murray McCully says the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's travel advisory for New Zealanders visiting Fiji has been changed to reflect Wednesday's developments in Suva.

"New Zealanders travelling to Fiji should now be aware that the level of assistance the High Commission can provide to New Zealand citizens may be affected due to the depleted staff numbers," he says.