Back from the Solomons

4 August 2006

Around 40 New Zealand soldiers from Burnham Army Camp return home after a four month tour to the Solomon Islands. They are due to arrive at the Royal New Zealand Air Force terminal in Christchurch on a C-130 Hercules at 8.40p.m on Saturday 5 August 2006.

The soldiers served as part of the New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) contribution to the Regional Assistance Mission Solomon Islands.

The platoon from 2/1 RNZIR, Battalion have been replaced by their counterparts from Linton Military camp, who deployed to the region five days ago.

There are currently 42 NZDF personnel serving in the Solomon Islands.

ENDS

For further information please contact Danielle Coe, Defence Public Relations,
04 496 0286 or 021 676 338

Background

The Regional Assistance Mission Solomon Islands (RAMSI) commenced in late July 2003 following a request for assistance to restore law and order from the Solomon Islands Government.           

RAMSI was given the support of the Pacific Island Forum, the Commonwealth, and the United Nations.  Over 2 thousand police, military and civilian personnel from New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Tonga and Papua New Guinea have served with RAMSI.

The Police component of RAMSI retains overall control of security, with the military component providing a support role.  This combined contribution maintains the RAMSI mandate, which is to promote peace and stability within the Solomon Islands

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