NZ to boost its policing support to Vanuatu

The New Zealand Government has announced it will provide Vanuatu with $US4.7 million in policing support, including the deployment of the three officers to advise the local force.

The Daily Post newspaper reported in announcing the support the High Commissioner to Vanuatu, Jonathan Schwass said New Zealand will be providing officers to equip the Vanuatu Police Force with expertise to address the rising problem of crime in communities.

He said the three officers will be flying in soon to help the force in specialist areas.

Mr Schwass said New Zealand is now looking to extend cooperation by providing additional support to the force and significantly stepping-up their defence assistance.

New Zealand has already seconded a Warrant Officer to the Vanuatu Military's Engineer Platoon and regularly engages in joint training exercises and maritime patrols.