Further troops for peacekeeping mission in Timor

24 May 2007

A platoon group of New Zealand soldiers will depart for Timor-Leste on Friday 25 May for a six-month tour of duty in the troubled region.

The 105-strong contingent drawn largely from the Burnham-based Bravo Company will face additional challenges as they help to maintain security throughout the period of the parliamentary elections in late June.

This deployment is the third rotation of Kiwi troops to serve in Timor-Leste since violence erupted there in May 2006.  

Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, Rear Admiral Jack Steer says the people of Timor-Leste welcome the new contingent. 

“The New Zealand Defence Force has an excellent record of service in Timor-Leste and while the troops deploying on this latest rotation will face challenging times, their training, professionalism and dedication will see them through.”

“The families and friends of our troops know the substantial difference that their loved ones can make to the people of Timor-Leste, and I extend my appreciation to them for their support to our deploying personnel.”

The troops leaving New Zealand on Thursday will replace personnel from the Linton based Victor Company who return on 31 May.

ENDS

Media are invited to attend the deployment and are asked to register their interest with James Heffield, (04) 496 0286 or 021 676 338, before 4pm on Thursday May 24.

For further information please contact Captain Rachel Riley, Defence Public Relations, on 04 529 6031 or 021 806 926.

Background

New Zealand has contributed to various United Nations and peacekeeping efforts in Timor-Leste since 1999.  The New Zealand Defence Force’s commitment to Timor-Leste at present consists of more than 180 Defence personnel and two helicopters serving with the Combined Joint Task Force, as well as two Military Liaison Officers serving with the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT).

Currently 724 New Zealand Defence Force personnel are deployed on 19 operations, UN missions and defence exercises around the world

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