New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens has been freed after spending 19 months in captivity in Indonesia's Papua region. The foreign minister confirmed that he is 'safe and well' following his release by separatist rebels. This long ordeal ended after extensive negotiations, marking a significant moment for the New Zealand government and the pilot's family. Mehrtens was reportedly very happy to be freed, concluding what has been described as a 'nightmare' for him.