Labour MP expects to be blocked from detainees

7:09 am on 18 October 2015

Labour MP Kelvin Davis is anticipating the Australian government will try to stop him from gaining access to the Christmas Island detention centre where New Zealanders are currently being held.

A file photo of the jetty on Christmas Island (August 2013)

Photo: AAP

Mr Davis arrived on the island last night and said that he was struck by how isolated it was.

Labour Party MP, Kelvin Davis.

Kelvin Davis Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson

He is planning to be on the island for two days and said he was trying to boost the morale of the New Zealanders being held in the centre, and highlight their plight.

He is attempting to get into the centre but said that there was a 24-hour administrative process he had to go through.

"I think they'll just try any administrative blockage to stonewall us to prevent us from getting in."

He said the government had been flat footed on the matter and that calling his trip to island a stunt was shooting the messenger.

Mr Davis said he had managed to speak to one of the detainees by phone so far.

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