9 February 2007
The largest Territorial Force exercise in recent years will be held in Waiouru from Saturday, 10 February to Sunday 18 February 2007.
Around 700 soldiers from all over New Zealand and 110 Australian Army Reservists will take part in exercise NORTHERN KIWI.
The exercise will train the army territorials in soldier and platoon skills. “It recognises the importance of providing good quality training to our reserve elements at a time of high operational tempo and the associated value we place in our reserve forces to meet current operational and domestic training demands,” said Colonel Lofty Hayward, Commander, 2nd Land Force Group, Linton.
Integral to the exercise is the support provided by the regular force element of the army, the majority of who are from Linton Camp. The support is made up in part of New Zealand Light Armoured Vehicles (NZLAV), communications, medical and logistics personnel.
The exercise is expected to raise the bar on the current trained levels of the Territorial Forces.
ENDS
Media are invited to attend the exercise on 14 February 2007 at Waiouru. Interested media should register their interest to Major Charmaine Pene on (04) 496 0285 or 021 478 574 by 4p.m 12 February 2007.
For further information contact Major Charmaine Pene, Public Relations Manager for Army on 04 496 0285 or 021 478 574.