11 May, 2006
Soldiers from the New Zealand Army are returning to New Zealand after a three month deployment to the Solomon Islands on Friday 12 May.
The 28 soldiers, all based at 2/1 Battalion, Burnham will arrive at Christchurch Airport, Air Movements Terminal, at 9.00pm.
They will be met by Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, Rear Admiral Jack Steer and the Commanding Officer of 2/1 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel John Boswell.
The soldiers have completed a three month deployment as part of the Regional Assistance Mission in the Solomon Islands (RAMSI). They have been replaced by a planned rotation of Fijian military personnel.
During their rotation the New Zealand Defence Force platoon carried out daily patrols in Honiara, and regular patrols to other regions. They maintained responsibility for perimeter security at Rove Prison. With the recent deterioration in the security situation, the soldiers continued to conduct security patrols in Honiara, with the aim of ensuring stability within the region as soon as possible.
There are still 125 New Zealand Defence Force personnel are deployed to the Solomon Islands.
ENDS
Media are invited to attend the welcoming at Christchurch Airport, RNZAF Air Movements Terminal, Orchard Rd, at 9.00pm, Friday 12 May.
For further information please contact Lieutenant Commander Andrew Lincoln, Defence Public Relations, Ph: (04) 529 6031, Mob: 021 806 926.