New Zealand Defence Force
Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa

Media Release

27 July 2006

Fresh Faces for the Solomon’s

Around 40 New Zealand soldiers from Linton Army Camp leave for a three month tour to the Solomon Islands on Thursday 27 July.

They will serve as part of the New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) contribution to the Regional Assistance Mission Solomon Islands.

The platoon from 1st RNZIR, Battalion will rotate with their counterparts from Burnham Military camp, who deployed to the region in April.

During the deployment the soldiers will maintain security of Rove Prison and will assist the participating police force in night patrols in Honiara. They will also participate in presence patrols to other RAMSI outposts on the Island of Guadalcanal and, where necessary other outlaying islands.

ENDS

Background

The Regional Assistance Mission Solomon Islands (RAMSI) commenced in late July 2003 following a request for assistance to restore law and order from the Solomon Islands Government.

RAMSI was given the support of the Pacific Island Forum, the Commonwealth, and the United Nations. Over 2 thousand police, military and civilian personnel from New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Tonga and Papua New Guinea have served with RAMSI.

The Police component of RAMSI retains overall control of security, with the military component providing a support role. This combined contribution maintains the RAMSI mandate, which is to promote peace and stability within the Solomon Islands

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