Australia was also flying in troops and police at the request of the Tongan government, in the wake of anti-government protests which on Thursday left at least eight people dead and devastated three- quarters of the Tongan capital`s main business district.
New Zealand reporters who flew in with the troops said Tongan police, helplessly outnumbered by up to 3,000 protestors during Thursday`s riots, had arrested at least 100 people for arson, looting and drunkenness after martial law was declared.
Large and violent mobs, angry at the government`s reluctance to adopt a democratic electoral system, had set fire to shops, offices and overturned cars in the streets.
The government later capitulated and promised new elections in 2008, which would give popularly-elected representatives a majority in parliament.
Two more stores owned by Chinese immigrants, who were targeted by the rioters, were torched on Friday night, but Police Commander Sinilau Kolo was reported as saying there had been no further incidents.
Pro-democracy leader Akilisi Pohiva, who claimed victory for the people after the government agreed to the new reforms, was reported as saying he was not pleased that troops were coming from New Zealand and Australia, but was not surprised.
He said the violence that erupted was a natural consequence of many years of fighting for democracy and the arrival of foreign troops indicated the monarchy was no longer able to rule the country of 100,000 people, which is spread over 170 islands.
New Zealand and Australia are sending about 150 troops and police, charged initially with making the airport safe for international flights to resume, allowing people who want to leave the riot-torn capital to get away and Tongans in New Zealand trying to get home to fly.
