Parts of the Solomon Islands' capital were ablaze and rioters rampaged through the streets when Sergeant Major John Spence arrived in Honiara in 2006.

People took to the streets, smashing buildings and setting fire to Honiara's Chinatown following a general election which some claimed was fixed with money from the Chinese.

"We arrived here in the middle of the night, when Chinatown was still burning," Sgt Major Spence told media earlier this week.

"Tensions were very high. Lawlessness, insecurity - these are words that come to mind."

Christchurch-based Sgt Major Spence and other New Zealand, Australian and Pacific Island soldiers were deployed to the city as part of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI).

RAMSI was established in 2003 after the local government requested outside assistance to stabilise the country after years of violence between two ethnic groups.

The aim of the mission was to develop the economy, offer military assistance and re-establish public confidence in the local police force.

With a gun slung over his shoulder, Sgt Major Spence and other New Zealand soldiers were tasked with patrolling an area of Honiara to enforce a city-wide curfew during the 2006 riots.

The group had rocks thrown at them and they detained a number of people.

Sgt Major Spence says violence in the city was rife and many locals were scared. Fast forward six years and the country is now peaceful.

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Last platoon farewells Solomon Islands