Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Defence Personnel Come Home From Iraq Saturday
Defence Force Personnel Come Home From Iraq
The tour of duty in Iraq has come to an end for 61 New Zealand Defence Force personnel. The Light Engineer Group will be met by the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Helen Clark and Vice Chief of Defence Force, Air Vice Marshal David Bamfield when they arrive at Ohakea Air Force Base on Saturday night.
The Defence Force personnel returning from Iraq have spent the past six months in Basra City in the South East of the country, undertaking humanitarian and reconstruction work alongside a British Defence Force engineering unit.
The Government agreed to a one year commitment of a Light Engineer Group to assist with the rebuilding of basic infrastructure in Iraq with the first troops deploying in September 2003. As that commitment comes to an end, the work of the New Zealand Defence Force has made a significant difference for the people of Basra.
Over the last year around 130 personnel have deployed over two six-month deployments. The work of the Engineers has seen clean drinking water become significantly more available in the region and many schools, health clinics and bridges have been refurbished to allow the people of Basra to return to some semblance of normality after the ravages of war.
The flight is scheduled to arrive at RNZAF Base Ohakea at 7.20 pm, Saturday 25 September 2004.
Gordon Campbell: On The Hikoi Aftermath
PSA: Spending Cuts Need To Stop - PSA Urges Govt To Listen To Economists
Stats NZ: National Population Estimates: At 30 September 2024 (2018-base)
NZ Government: New Zealand’s COP29 National Statement
Surf Life Saving NZ: Volunteer Lifeguards Make Big Effort To Keep Us Safe, As Paid Lifeguard Service Commences In Northern Region
Action Station: Biggest Ever Community Petition, With Over 200,000 Signatures, Opposes Treaty Principles Bill
Palestinians for Hīkoi mō te Tiriti: Statement From Palestinian Leaders - Hīkoi Mō Te Tiriti Is A Historic Moment For All In Aotearoa
