New Zealand Defence Force
Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa
Media Release
22 December 2005

CHRISTMAS 2005 - WHERE IN THE WORLD IS THE NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE FORCE?

From Antarctica to the Sudan, and Afghanistan to the Solomon Islands, 221 service personnel will be on duty overseas in 21 countries this Christmas.

Their contributions include service with the United Nations, on peace support operations, as part of coalition operations and those serving in support of New Zealand Defence Force operations.

Major General Lou Gardiner, Commander Joint Forces New Zealand says that while it is always hard to be away from friends and family at Christmas, the 221 personnel serving overseas this year can be proud of their contribution to peace and security operations around the world.

"I'm deeply appreciative of the contribution our 221 Defence Force personnel are making to New Zealand's international reputation as they spend the festive period away from loved ones, deployed to all corners of the globe", says Major General Gardiner.

"I'm also appreciative of the support our deployed personnel receive from their family and friends. Their continued backing plays a significant role in the success the Defence Force attains while we're serving overseas".

While the majority of New Zealand based Defence Force personnel will take a well-deserved Christmas break, they will remain on standby to react to any situation that may arise during the holiday period.

For further information please contact Public Relations Manager - Operations, Lieutenant Commander Andrew Lincoln, Ph: (04) 529 6031 or Mb: 021-806926

SUMMARY OF CURRENT OVERSEAS DEPLOYMENTS

Afghanistan: 94 personnel form the NZ Provincial Reconstruction Team (NZPRT) provide security and reconstruction in the in the province of Bamyan. There are an additional 14 personnel within Afghanistan providing support to the NZPRT, the International Security Assistance Force in Kabul, and training to the Afghan National Army.

Antarctica: 20 personnel are based at Scott Base (NZ Base Camp) and McMurdo (US Base Camp) providing air transport, logistics and personnel support during the summer months.

Bosnia-Herzegovina: Three officers are working with the European Union Force in Banja Luka and another eight personnel are located in Prijedor as part of the Liaison and Observation Team.

Egypt: 26 personnel are serving with the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) working as driving instructors, as heavy transport drivers and as Staff Officers on the Headquarters in El Gorah.

Iraq: One officer is serving with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq as a Military Liaison Advisor.

Kosovo: One officer is currently serving with the United Nations, based in Pristina.

Solomon Islands: One officer is serving as the Deputy Commander to the Regional Assistances Mission in the Solomon Islands (RAMSI), based in Honiara.

Timor Leste: Four officers are deployed to Dili providing support to the United Nations as well as providing training assistance to the Timor Leste Defence Force.

Other United Nations Missions

NZ Defence Force has commitments to a number of other UN missions around the world including: all the above and Korea, Sudan, and Israel/Lebanon.

ENDS

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