Palmerston North soldier driving Egyptian roads

6 August 2007

Private Lewis Pewhairangi calls Palmerston North home, but Egypt will be the next best thing for seven months.

The former Palmerston North Boys High School student has joined 25 other New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel working with the Multi National Force and Observers on the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt.

Private Pewhairangi is applying his two years worth of experience and training in the New Zealand Army to be part of the NZDF driving team in the Sinai, driving and escorting convoys.

This is the first operational deployment for the Linton-based 20-year-old, who says there is a lot to enjoy in his new desert home.

“It’s really good to be working alongside so many people from different countries, and learning about where they have come from.  The country here in Egypt is so different from Palmerston North, and there’s a whole new culture and working environment to get used to.  I have trained hard to get here today, and it’s intensely satisfying to be able to use my skills on an operational deployment.”

New Zealand troops have been involved in the Sinai since the MFO was established in 1981.  Their primary tasks include driving and escorting convoys and providing driver training and license testing for other MFO personnel.

New Zealand’s personnel in the Sinai are working for the Multi National Force and Observers in the driving section, the force engineering office, and as the Force Commander’s military assistant.

The New Zealand Contingent also provides a duty officer in the Operations Branch, a liaison officer, the clerk to the liaison branch, and an officer as Deputy Chief of Operations. 

Currently 519 New Zealand Defence Force personnel are deployed on 19 operations, UN missions and defence exercises around the world.

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