Prime Minister Helen Clark today said New Zealand is deeply concerned at reports of violence and riots in Tibet and subsequently elsewhere in China.

"We want to see an end to the violence. New Zealand has long urged China to engage in meaningful dialogue with representatives of the Tibetan people as we think this is the best way to achieve a lasting resolution of problems in Tibet," Helen Clark said.

"New Zealand respects the right of people to protest peacefully. We urge the Chinese authorities to react carefully and proportionately to protest.

"New Zealand has regular discussions with China on human rights matters, including on Tibet.

"The New Zealand government takes an ongoing interest in developments in Tibet and will continue to convey its views to the Chinese authorities.

"We will continue to monitor the situation and provide advice for New Zealanders in Tibet. We encourage New Zealanders to register or update their contact details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade," Helen Clark said.

Updates:

• 18 March: Parliamentary Notice of Motion re Tibet. Prime Minister Helen Clark moves a Parliamentary Notice of Motion in relation to events in Tibet. The text of the Motion and her remarks to the House: 

I move that this House express its deep concern at reports of violence and riots in Tibet and subsequently elsewhere in China; call on all sides to show restraint; express its strong support for the right of people to protest peacefully; urge the Chinese authorities to react carefully and proportionately to protest; and urge China to engage in meaningful dialogue with representatives of the Tibetan people in order to achieve a lasting resolution of problems in Tibet.