A team of 10 New Zealand Defence Force personnel are saying farewells to family and friends as they make final preparations to depart for Lebanon on 9 February.

The Minister of Defence Phil Goff and Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae will officially farewell the team at a ceremony at Devonport Naval Base.

The team, led by a Navy officer and comprising threeNavy Operational Divers and six New Zealand Army Engineers, will be working in a niche capability to plan for, locate and dispose of unexploded munitions remaining in the region after the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in July 2006.

Rear Admiral Jack Steer, Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, says the deployment is one where the expertise of our defence personnel can make a real difference.

“The New Zealand Defence Force has a robust and well respected unexploded ordinance disposal capability that has been proven within New Zealand as well as Afghanistan, Timor Leste, Cambodia and even the Tokelau Islands.”

“The team will use their specialist skills in removing unexploded munitions to reclaim areas for civilian occupation.”
“New Zealand can make a real difference for the people of Southern Lebanon whose lives have been further disrupted by the ordnance left behind following the recent conflict.“

The NZDF commitment to Southern Lebanon is for 12 months. The contingent deploying this week will be replaced after approximately six months.

Media are invited to attend the farewell at Devonport Naval Base at 1.00pm on 9 February 07. There will be an opportunity to interview the Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Force and deploying personnel.

ENDS

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