Accident in Afghanistan - 6th NZDF Statement

A military arrival or "ramp" ceremony will be held at Christchurch airport on Wednesday evening when the casket containing Private Kirifi Mila, accompanied by a NZ Army honour guard and escort, will be carried from the aircraft for transport to Burnham military camp, where his unit is based.

He will spend Wednesday night at Burnham Military Camp, before a Memorial Service there on Thursday afternoon.

On his initial arrival back in New Zealand Private Mila’s casket will be met by members of his family, NZ Army escorts and Commander Joint Forces NZ, Air Vice Marshal Peter Stockwell. This will not be a public event and the NZ Defence Force requests all media respect the family’s wishes and allow them to meet their loved one in private.

Media will be invited to attend the ramp ceremony at Christchurch Airport, and the Memorial Service at Burnham Military Camp. Media are requested to NOT approach the family at either of these events or film the family grieving.

Timings for the ramp ceremony and Memorial Service will be advised in a subsequent statement when confirmed.