NZ Troops arrive home from Solomon Islands

23 July 2009

Forty four New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel will arrive home on 24 July after a four month deployment supporting the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI). 

They will be greeted at Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Base Whenuapai by Air Component Commander Air Commodore Steve Moore, RNZRSA Auckland District President Mr Gary Walker, and family and friends.

The ninth rotation of NZDF personnel to support RAMSI (WN09-0040-071).

The contingent, drawn largely from the 3rd Auckland Northland and 6th Hauraki Battalions, were the ninth rotation to support RAMSI.

The Kiwis have worked alongside Australian, Tongan and Papua New Guinean military personnel and police during their time in the Islands to maintain security and stability in the region.

They have been replaced by the tenth rotation of NZDF personnel who arrived in theatre earlier this week. 
Operations such as RAMSI offer TF members the opportunity to take on the challenges that you would experience full-time in the Army and the civilian skills members bring are often invaluable when working with the local population.

ENDS

Media wishing to attend the arrival must register with Nicole Munro-Johnson, 021 569 148 by 10am on Friday 24 July to ensure access is available. Photo identification will be required on the day.

Background - Territorial Force

The Territorial Force makes up a quarter of NZ Army’s personnel, and are a vital part of operations abroad. Territorial soldiers and officers have been active on New Zealand peacekeeping missions to Lebanon, Sinai, East Timor, Bosnia, Sierra Leone, Bougainville, Afghanistan, Iraq and the Solomon Islands.

Background - Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands

RAMSI is a partnership between the government of the Solomon Islands and contributing pacific nations, including New Zealand and Australia. It aims to ensure security and assists the Solomon Island’s people and government to develop the skills and institutions for successful self governance.

New Zealand has supported the RAMSI mission since July 2003 at the request of the Solomon Island’s government. The NZDF will maintain a continued presence in the Solomon Islands until a yet to be determined date

The mission in the Solomon Islands requires strong infantry skills and an ability to get on well with the local people.  The New Zealand Troops regularly liaise with locals, conduct patrols, provide assistance to police and help with external security at Rove Prison.