New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel deploying to Afghanistan were farewelled by Joint Force Commander Major General Lou Gardiner and Christchurch Member of Parliament Ruth Dyson on July 20.
The deployment of the 123 personnel replaces the current New Zealandled Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) located in the Bamyan Province of Afghanistan.
"The New Zealand PRT plays an important role in restoring and maintaining stability in the Bamyan Province. The team assists the Afghan Government by promoting reconstruction in Bamyan and assessing civil, political and military reform efforts. The team conducts liaison patrols throughout the province, and interacts with members of the community at all levels," said Major General Gardiner. "A significant achievement for the PRT was the registration and participation of the people of Bamyan in last year's presidential elections. Over 90% of the Bamyan Province registered to vote with almost 50% being women. The PRT that has just deployed will be assisting with the parliamentary and provincial elections scheduled for September and I’m sure they will continue the good work of their predecessors."
Major General Gardiner acknowledged that the situation in Afghanistan still poses a security challenge.
"I have confidence in the professionalism and expertise of our personnel. They have already earned great respect for their contributions to stability in Afghanistan. New Zealand’s PRT in Bamyan has received high praise from both within Afghanistan and from other countries for its work." Beth Gibbens, 3, farewells her dad, Army medic Sergeant Keryn Gibbens, while mum Chris, and sister Emma (six months) look on.