Monday 29 May 2006
The New Zealand Defence Force currently has over 170 personnel deployed in support of recent operations in Timor-Leste.
The New Zealanders are working as part of an Australian led coalition. They will work with international forces to stabilise the situation in Dili initially, before providing assistance to restore law and order.
The first New Zealand ground forces arrived in Timor-Leste on Saturday 27 May. The 39 soldiers, an Infantry Rifle platoon, have secured the New Zealand Embassy and are now working alongside Australian forces.
A Company-sized group of 124 soldiers remain pre-positioned in Townsville, awaiting further direction on their role prior to deploying. In country their tasking will involve security roles to assist in establishing law and order. The contingent is anticipated to arrive in Timor before the end of the week.
The majority of soldiers deployed since Friday 26 May are from 2/1 Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, based at Burnham, New Zealand.
Prior to recent events in Timor, there were four New Zealand Defence Force personnel based in Timor, working in advisory and training roles. These personnel are now assisting with the current operation.
The deployment of New Zealand Defence Force personnel and transport of stores has been undertaken by Boeing 757 and C-130 Hercules aircraft from the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Air transport from Australia to Timor is being coordinated with the Australian Defence Force.
A C-130 Hercules transported 42 personnel from New Zealand to Townsville, Australia on Friday 26 May. The company size group departed onboard one Boeing 757 from Christchurch on Saturday afternoon. Further flights continue on the aircraft transporting freight and additional personnel.
East Timor (Timor-Leste) became an independent country on 20 May 2002, marking the end of a three-year process towards independence under the guidance of the United Nations (UN). Since then the UN has provided assistance to East Timor over a period of two years until all control was handed over to the East Timor authorities, however the Council extended its mission for another year to allow the new nation, which had changed its name to Timor-Leste, to attain self-sufficiency.
Throughout this period New Zealand has contributed military personnel as military observers, military advisers, training teams and staff officers.
Media Release: NZDF in Timor
Media Release: More NZ Troops for Timor
Image: NZ soldier from 2nd/1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment on patrol at the NZ Embassy in Dili.
Recent Unrest - April/May 2006
Dozens of people have died and many more injured in riots an unrest in Dili and the situation has worsen with more fighting. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has issued a warning to travellers . Click on the link for latest Travel Advice
The deployment of New Zealand and Australian Defence Force personnel to bring security, peace and confidence to Timor-Leste continues.
Almost 1800 Australian and 170 New Zealand Defence Force personnel are now either on the ground, in transit or directly supporting the international response to the situation in the country.
NZ Ground forces in Timor-Leste now number around 50 and include an Infantry Rifle platoon from the Burnham Based 2nd/1st Battalion , Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment and a Rifle Company Group also from the Burnham Based 2nd/1st Battalion The Rifle Platoon has established itself in Dili and will act as a platform for the Rifle Company Group that is in transit to Timor-Leste.
The deployment of New Zealand Defence Force Personnel is being undertaken by Boeing 757 and C-130 Hercules aircraft from the Royal New Zealand Air Force. The airlift from New Zealand to Timor-Leste is being assisted by the Australian Defence Force who are providing staging facilities in Townsville and Darwin.
The deployment of New Zealand Defence Force personnel is expected to continue over the coming days.
Unrest in Timor-Leste 2006
More NZ Troops for Timor (27 May 2006)
A further 124 New Zealand Defence Force personnel will deploy to Townsville today.
The contingent comprises 124 soldiers from 2/1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, based at Burnham. These soldiers are the second contingent of New Zealand Defence Force personnel to deploy in support of current operations in Timor Leste.
NZ sends NZDF planes and personnel to Darwin (26 May 2006)
Prime Minister Helen Clark announced early this morning that the government is dispatching an RNZAF 757, a Hercules C130, and New Zealand army personnel to Darwin today.
Helen Clark said that the situation on the ground in Timor Leste had deteriorated seriously on Thursday with chaos and murders on the streets of the capital, Dili.
"The United Nations Security Council has made its concern clear and expressed its full understanding of the request made by the Timor Leste government for assistance to Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, and Portugal.
"I have spoken late Thursday evening with the Secretary-General of the United Nations who has expressed his thanks to each of the four countries approached by Timor Leste for their willingness to assist.
"Given the distance of New Zealand from Timor, it is appropriate to position New Zealand airlift capacity in Darwin now, both to assist with evacuation if required, and with troop transport as required.
"The government has also authorised the positioning of a platoon in Darwin today, and has authorised the mobilisation of a company which is able to be positioned in Darwin in the coming days.
"New Zealand and Australian officials are continuing to talk with Timor Leste representatives about the details of engagement in Timor so that appropriate rules of engagement can be determined, Helen Clark said.
This page was last reviewed on 30 May 2006 and is current.