Status of Forces Agreement
The signing of a Status of Forces Agreement between New Zealand and Germany marks a significant step in the future relationship between both nations defence forces.
The agreement, signed by the previous Minister of Defence, the Hon Phil Goff and the German Ambassador to New Zealand, His Excellency Mr Jörg Zimmermann, sets out the conditions for the temporary stay of New Zealand Defence Force personnel in Germany for the purposes of all training, exercises and exchanges.
Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Graham Lintott says the agreement is of particular significance for the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) as it will cover the pilot exchange with Germany set to begin in early 2009.
‘RNZAF pilots who will be operating the new NH90 helicopters will be among the first to benefit from this agreement.
The arrival of the NH90 helicopter into the Service will be an exciting milestone for the Air Force and working alongside other NH90 operators, such as Germany, will be of invaluable assistance in terms of training opportunities.’
Initially, the RNZAF intends to send one pilot and one helicopter crewman for a 2 to 2 ½ year exchange to Germany in early 2009 and conversely will support German personnel training programmes in respect of the NH90 here in New Zealand.