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Maintaining Stability in the Solomon Islands
Serving in Solomon Islands is an experience three young New Zealanders say they won’t forget in a hurry.
The three soldiers are part of the mainly Territorial Force contingent currently deployed to the country to help maintain peace and stability.
Privates Bradley Benson, Caroline Arthur and Aaron Karena say they are relishing the opportunity to serve overseas and “make a difference” at the same time.
Caroline, from Taranaki, is a student studying for a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise. She had one year left to finish her degree, and when the opportunity came to deploy to Solomon Islands, she took a year off. She plans to complete her degree next year.
A rifleman, she says she loves patrolling and interacting with the locals. “They are lovely people who always seem keen to see us and talk to us. We’re based at Guadalcanal Beach, but often stay at the Forward Operating Bases which are well set up.”
The heat is “a bit of a struggle” but apart from that the experience is rewarding and fun. “You get the best of both worlds in the TF.”
Fordell farm worker Bradley Benson had a very supportive boss who didn’t hesitate to give him time off when he was chosen to deploy.
As well as patrolling on Guadalcanal he has been able to use his farming skills to help out in local villages wherever he can, and that’s “very satisfying” he says.
Both Privates are from the 5th Wellington West Coast and Taranaki Battalion group.
Hastings storeman Private Aaron Karena has a little more experience than some of his younger colleagues – he served in the Regular Force for 16 years, deploying to Timor Leste twice, and also to Bosnia.
“I love it here,” he says. “Beautiful weather, and we’re very well received. It’s great working with other TF too. They’re all so different, and bring so many talents to the job.”
Private Karena is from the 7th Wellington and Hawkes Bay Battalion Group. In Honiara he patrols mainly by vehicle, and usually accompanied by members of the Participating Police Force.
A 43-strong platoon made up primarily of TF soldiers provides New Zealand’s current contribution to the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI).
New Zealand Army platoons deploy to the Solomons for four month rotations and work alongside other supporting nations, which include Australia, Fiji, Tonga and Papua New Guinea. New Zealand has contributed to RAMSI since its inception in July 2003.
Their roles include troops assisting RAMSI police in downtown Honiara, carrying out patrols, and helping with external security at Rove Prison.
This page was last reviewed on 19 October 2007 and is current.
