Solomon Islands unrest: New Zealand to send dozens of peacekeepers

New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern says she is deeply concerned by the recent civil unrest and rioting in Honiara'

New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern has ordered police and troops to join an international peacekeeping mission in the crisis-hit Solomon Islands following deadly anti-government riots.

Ardern said on Wednesday the deployment of 65 peacekeepers followed a request from the Solomons government, which was almost toppled during the unrest that claimed at least three lives and reduced much of downtown Honiara - the country's capital - to smouldering rubble.