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View all search resultsNew Zealand calls for release of pilot kidnapped in Papua
Hipkins said New Zealand’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs was leading the response by working with Indonesian authorities.
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ew Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins on Wednesday called for the release of a Kiwi pilot kidnapped six months ago by separatists in Papua.
New Zealander Phillip Mehrtens was working for Indonesian airline Susi Air in February when he was snatched by rebels at an airport in Nduga.
“Phillip is a much-loved father, husband, brother and son,” Hipkins told reporters in Auckland.
“I want to urge, once again, those who are holding Phillip to release him immediately.
“There is absolutely no justification for taking hostages.
“The longer Phillip is held, the more risk there is to his well-being and the harder this becomes for him and for his family.”
Hipkins said New Zealand’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs was leading the response by working with Indonesian authorities.
