A New Zealand documentary crew and an Australian travel writer are visiting Solomon Islands under Tourism Solomons' International Media Visitation Program, the national tourist office said on 10 November.
The three-man Wildfilm New Zealand crew is in the country to make a documentary on United States president John F. Kennedy's experiences in the Second World War. Tourism Solomons said the programme is scheduled to screen on New Zealand television channel TVNZ in early 2027, after which it will be distributed to a global audience.
The crew's itinerary includes Munda, where they will visit the Peter Joseph Museum and Kennedy's wartime base at Lubaria, before moving on to Gizo to film at Kennedy Island and Olasana Island.
The group was pictured at the Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara with Tourism Solomons marketing officer Brenden Mautoa. The crew is made up of cameraman Sam Judd, producer Mike Bhana and presenter Joanna Holley.
Also visiting is freelance travel writer Dan Slater, winner of the 2024 Australian Travel Writer of the Year award. Tourism Solomons said he is heading for Marovo Lagoon, where he will take a nine-day kayaking expedition on board the Solomons Master.
Slater will also take part in a number of adventure treks organised by Tourism Solomons, including Tenaru Falls, Kolombangara and Savo Island, the office said. His visit will include wreck diving on Second World War sites at Bonegi Beach.
Kennedy served in the Solomon Islands as commander of the patrol torpedo boat PT-109. Kennedy Island, off Gizo, carries his name.
The statement was released by Mike Parker-Brown, public relations consultant for Tourism Solomons.