18 November 2008
It will be an especially sad farewell for 149 New Zealand Defence Force personnel heading to Timor-Leste on Thursday, as they depart Ohakea Air Force Base knowing they will miss Christmas with their families.
The sixth rotation of Kiwi troops to serve in Timor-Leste since May 2006 is drawn mainly from the Linton-based 2nd Land Force Group, and their regular tasks in theatre will include carrying out patrols, liaising with locals and providing assistance to United Nations police.
Chief of Army Major General Lou Gardiner, family and friends will be in attendance at Ohakea Air Force Base for the departure, and media are also invited to attend.
When: 9.45am Thursday 20th November
Where: Ohakea Air Force Base
What: Departure of approx 149 Kiwi troops for a six month deployment in Timor-Leste.
Media wishing to attend the departure must register with Paul Stein, (06) 3519037 or 021 409 033 before 5pm on Wednesday 19 November to ensure access is available. Photo identification will be required on the day.
ENDS
Note: New Zealand Defence Force’s commitment to Timor-Leste at present also includes two Military Liaison Officers serving with the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) and five advisors to the Timor-Leste Defence Force (F-FDTL).
New Zealand is a valued partner in United Nations peacekeeping efforts and has contributed to various UN missions in Timor-Leste since 1999.
There are currently 644 New Zealand Defence Force personnel deployed on 14 operations, UN missions and defence exercises around the world