New Zealand property investors in Fiji frustrated by delays in receiving income from apartments and villas in the tropical nation have been urged to sit tight and play by the rules.

Fiji’s Inland Revenue Department changed the way it applied its tax system last year, which has made it more complicated and slowed down the process for property investors to bank profits.

For more, see today’s NBR print edition.

Fiji's self-appointed Prime Minister said New Zealand's Deputy High Commissioner was expelled from the Pacific nation as a message to "leave us alone".

Commodore Voreqe (Frank) Bainimarama said New Zealand had to "stop this bullying".

"If you bully people there'll be some retaliation," he told TV One's Sunday programme.

Deputy High Commissioner Todd Cleaver was kicked out of Fiji earlier this month simply because he was a representative of New Zealand, Commodore Bainimarama said.

New Zealand’s involvement in Pacific-wide trade discussions is more about facilitation than opening up any opportunity for this country.

Trade Minister Tim Groser was in Brisbane recently to take part in the inaugural PACER Plus negotiations (Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations).

However he said New Zealand involvement in the discussions, along with Australia’s, is more about regional economic development for Pacific Island nations rather than increasing exports.

The Government is now considering what action to take in response to Fiji's expulsion of acting New Zealand Deputy High Commissioner Todd Cleaver yesterday.

Interim head of Fiji's government Commodore Voreqe (Frank) Bainimarama ordered out Mr Cleaver and Australia's High Commissioner James Bartley. Mr Cleaver was New Zealand's acting head of mission after Fiji previously ousted High Commissioner Michael Green then his successor, acting High Commissioner Caroline McDonald.

Mr McCully said retaliatory action could be taken against Fiji diplomats in Wellington.