Kiwi Troops depart for tour in Afghanistan

On Tuesday 14 April a contingent of 133 New Zealand Defence Force personnel will depart Christchurch International Airport to begin a six month deployment to Afghanistan.

The majority of the troops will make up the fourteenth rotation to serve in the Provincial Reconstruction Team, based at Bamyan Province. The others will work in roles within the International Stabilisation Force HQ, the Canadian Multinational Hospital in Khandahar, and with the British Army training the Afghan National Army.

The departure ceremony will be held at Burnham Military Camp rather than the airport, and attended by the Chief of Army, Major General Lou Gardiner, along with family and friends of the departing personnel.

When: 0815 Tuesday 14 April 2009

Where: Burnham Military Camp

What: Departure of approx 133 NZDF personnel for a six month deployment in Afghanistan.

Media wishing to attend the departure must register with Jane Mortlock, (021) 224 8658 before 4pm Monday 13 April to ensure access is available. Photo identification will be required on the day.

ENDS

NZDF roles in Afghanistan:

123 personnel in the NZ Provincial Reconstruction Team in Bamyan Province.
Two non-commissioned officers assisting with the training of the Afghan National Army.
Five officers in International Security Assistance Force headquarters positions
One military liaison officer with the United Nations Assistance Mission.
Two medical specialists with the Canadian Multinational Medical Unit at Kandahar.
There are currently 638 New Zealand Defence Force personnel deployed on 14 peacekeeping operations, UN missions and defence exercises around the world.