Soldiers To Serve In Afghanistan; Families Serve At Home

Chief of Army Major General Gardiner it's a pleasure to be here this morning to farewell our soldiers, sailors and airmen and to meet with the families and friends of those deploying today.

I realise from my own time as an Army Sapper, that you might be thinking "not another speech!"

I can see and feel that you are all "in the zone". You have been well trained and prepared for your task and I have every confidence that you are ready, willing and able to do the job your country has asked of you.

My words this morning, therefore, are short and simple. It could be called a "soldier's five" but could equally be described as a "mother's five". You servicemen and women who are about to board an aircraft to Afghanistan don't need me to tell you what to do.

Many of you already have operational service, while for others it is your first tour of duty. Either way, you are all part of a proud New Zealand history of doing our bit, sticking up for what we know is right and helping others to live in peace and safety. Each and every one of you will be representatives of our country and her reputation. I know you will hold the flame of freedom high.

To the partners, children, parents and whanau here - and the many who couldn't attend to farewell this contingent - I offer the heartfelt thanks of all New Zealanders for your contribution.

I know the separation of deployments is very demanding on you too, and understand the gap that waving goodbye to your loved ones today leaves in your lives. You too are serving your country with your sacrifice so that the mothers, children and extended families of Afghanistan - people that you will probably never meet - can live in safety.

With ANZAC Day in just over a week it is also timely to remember those who have gone before you. I was here at Burnham just a few weeks ago in very different circumstances - at the funeral of one of our brothers-in-arms: Private Clinton Botha.

Speaking to his family, and to many of you then, I know Clint wanted to be deploying today and I'm in no doubt that he will be with you in spirit in Afghanistan. To Sarah and both their families, you are not forgotten.

The New Zealand Defence Force has a robust welfare system for families of deployed troops. Please use it. No system is perfect, but it gets better every day. I am committed to helping the NZDF make improvements so that your tour of duty on the home front runs as smoothly as it possibly can.

To those who are departing, and to those who are staying behind, our country thanks you. Be bold and decisive in all your roles. Be there for each other, both here and across the many regions of Afghanistan in which you will serve.

I look forward to welcoming you all back here before long.