Kiwi troops depart for tour in Timor-Leste

As New Zealand heads into winter, 148 Navy, Army, and Air Force personnel are looking forward to a six month tour of duty in the more tropical climate of Timor-Leste.

They are the fifth rotation to serve in Timor-Leste since troops were again committed in May 2006, and will be farewelled at Burnham Army Camp at 4.00am on 10 May 2008.

Note: The majority of the Army personnel are made up of Burnham and Linton-based troops, with one Navy and three Air Force personnel from Devonport, Whenuapai, Ohakea and Woodbourne.

The New Zealand Defence Force’s commitment to Timor-Leste at present also includes two Iroquois helicopters and 31 personnel 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) and two advisors to the Timor-Leste Defence Force (F-FDTL).

Regular tasks for the Kiwis include carrying out patrols, liaising with locals and providing assistance to United Nations police.

New Zealand has contributed to various United Nations and peacekeeping efforts in Timor-Leste since 1999.