Egypt 'very, very important partner' - Key

It is important for Egypt to remain politically stable following President Hosni Mubarak's decision to not seek re-election, Prime Minister John Key says.

The decision followed a week of protests and unrest in which up to 300 people were killed and thousands injured, and came as more than 200,000 gathered in Cairo's main square in the largest demonstration yet.

Mr Key said Mr Mubarak's departure was a matter for the Egyptian people, "but what we certainly would urge is a smooth transition".

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Mfat) has warned there was an extreme risk to security in Egypt, and advised New Zealanders to stay indoors day and night unless they had confirmed departure arrangements in place and could travel safely to the airport.

There were now 264 New Zealanders registered as being in Egypt, down from 299earlier in the week as a number had since departed.

Mr Key said a number of New Zealanders had turned down seats on commercial flights.

"The protest march last night was peaceful, and we'll continue to work with New Zealanders to get them out."

Labour foreign affairs spokeswoman Maryan Street welcomed Mr Mubarak's decision and praised his commitment to a peaceful transition.

Ms Street said while the move did not meet the immediate demands of protestors it was likely to "take the heat out of the current situation".

Egyptian Association of Christchurch chairwoman Ola Kamel today said she was not sure whether the 200 or so Egyptian families in Christchurch would accept Mr Mubarak's announcement.

"Some of them say that's better than nothing, and some of them say he should leave immediately, so it varies," she said.

"I think they are much relieved, of course, but the Egyptians back home and here think that it would be good if he just leaves.

"Why wait until [elections in] September? I don't think the Egyptians back home will appreciate this move."

Mrs Kamel said she was still very worried about her relatives in Egypt, including her brother.

"I can't get hold of them for days now...there is no cellphone, there is no internet and through the land line it's impossible," she said.

"I'm anxious, I'm worried, because last time I talked to them was four days ago. They were very scared, they are very upset and they are locked in their homes.

"They don't know what will happen, the streets are not safe to go out, so I need to talk to them."

Mrs Kamel said she was crossing her fingers for communication to be restored soon.

A solidarity march from Christchurch Museum to Cathedral Square was planned for 12.30pm on Saturday.