27 March 2007
A platoon group of New Zealand soldiers will leave for the Solomon Islands on Wednesday 28 March for a four month deployment in the troubled region.
The 43-strong contingent, which includes 30 territorial force personnel, will replace the soldiers who have been serving with the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) for the past four months.
Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, Rear Admiral Jack Steer, said the contingent would perform regular patrols, assist RAMSI police in downtown Honiara, and help with external security at Rove Prison.
"The territorial force members of the contingent are particularly suited to this kind of mission. The majority of their time in the military is spent in infantry training, but they also bring a wide variety of skills from their civilian employment, skills they can use to provide further assistance to the people of the Solomon Islands."
The contingent, which is largely drawn from the territorial force regiments based in Auckland and Tauranga, undertook five weeks intensive pre-deployment training to ensure they are ready for any situation they may face.
The personnel currently serving in the Solomon Islands will return to New Zealand on April 4.
New Zealand Defence Force personnel have contributed to security and stability in the Solomon Islands since July 2003. They assist the RAMSI mission at the request of the Solomon Islands government.
ENDS
Media are invited to attend the departure from RNZAF Base Whenuapai at 8.00 am 28 March 2007.
Media wishing to attend the ceremony must register with Captain Rachel Riley on 021 806 926 prior to 4.00pm on 27 March to ensure access is available. Photo identification will be required on the day.
Currently 616 New Zealand Defence Force personnel are deployed on peacekeeping operations, UN missions and defence diplomacy activities in 20 missions across 16 countries. For further information please contact Captain Rachel Riley, Defence Public Relations, on 04 529 6031 or 021 806 926.