March 28, 2007

Media release (For Immediate Release)

MAYOR FAREWELLS TROOPS

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey, today farewelled a large contingent of territorial soldiers, off to serve in the Solomon Islands.

The group of around 30 flew out from the Whenuapai Air Base, which is in Waitakere City.

Their duties include assisting police in the capital Honiara and being involved with security at Rove Prison in the Solomons, which has been racked with civil unrest recently.

Mayor Harvey says that he was honoured to be asked to farewell the troops, particularly those from his own City.

“Make no mistake, these young men and women are going to a very dangerous place. But they are superbly trained and well equipped and I know they will do themselves, their families, and this country proud.”

Mayor Harvey adds that the contingent continues New Zealand’s fine tradition of bringing peace and democracy to people in the wider Pacific Region.

“ANZAC Day is coming up and that is a time when we remember the sacrifices of wars past,” he says. “But we also must remember and acknowledge those, like this group, who are on active duty and who put their lives on the line every day in the name of democracy and a better world.”

Mayor Harvey was joined at the Whenuapai farewell by Sir Barry Curtis, the Mayor of Manukau, and George Wood, Mayor of North Shore City.

ENDS

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