NZ Troops depart for Solomon Islands

Forty-four New Zealand Defence Force personnel will depart for a four-month tour of duty in the Solomon Islands tomorrow, 18 March.

The NZDF personnel are the sixth rotation to serve in the Solomon Islands and are drawn mainly from the Territorial Force battalions of 3rd Auckland Northland and 6th Hauraki regiments. They will continue to support the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI).

Regular tasks for the Kiwis include carrying out patrols, liaising with locals, providing assistance to police and help with external security at Rove Prison.

The platoon deploying on Tuesday will replace the fifth rotation of NZDF personnel who return to New Zealand on Easter Sunday. They will be farewelled by Commander 2nd Land Force Group Colonel Tim Keating, and family and friends.

The main body will depart from Whenuapai Air Force Base (Air Movements Terminal) on Tuesday 18 March.