Media Release

15 June 2006

New Zealand Soldier Hit by ‘Dart’ in Dili

Around 5p.m Dili time, Wednesday 14 June 2006, a NZ soldier suffered a superficial leg wound from a dart fired by a youth while out on a routine patrol in Hera, a small community near Timor Leste’s nation capital.

The dart which struck the soldier in the thigh had been fired at the New Zealanders as they dispersed a group of around 20 youths who had congregated.

The soldier was treated by a medical officer before returning to his platoon. Approximately seven youths have been detained as a result of the incident.

“Its business as normal” says Lieutenant Colonel Jeremy Harker, NZ Senior National Officer in Dili. “Our soldiers are trained for operations of this nature. This was a minor incident and the soldier concerned will be back on patrol within the next 24 hours”

ENDS

© Scoop Media

New Court Orders, Screening, Guardianship Changes...: Government Ignoring Poverty, Again

It remains to be seen if announcements today will better protect children, but the National Government is forgoing an opportunity to really help kids by ignoring the elephant in the room, which is poverty, Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei says.

"All the experts have told the Government that very low income is associated with higher rates of child maltreatment and neglect -- something which was totally ignored in the Government's Children's Action Plan and the announcements today," Mrs Turei said. More>>