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Timorese children with books donated by Chilton Saint James in Lower Hutt and a soccer ball donated by Sportime in Auckland. The NZDF Iroquois helicopter which delivered the goods is in the background.

New Zealand Defence Force
Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa

Media Release

24 September 2007

DEFENCE HELICOPTER DELIVERS BOOKS TO TIMORESE CHILDREN

Primary school children in Timor Leste received a special delivery recently when a New Zealand Defence Force Iroquois helicopter delivered books to their school.

The books, donated by Chilton Saint James School in Lower Hutt, were delivered to school children in Fatumusi village in the Bazartete area of Timor Leste on Thursday (September 20).

Iroquois helicopter crewman, Air Force Sergeant Gary Clark, said the children were ecstatic when they saw the helicopter arrive with the delivery, which also included soccer balls donated by Sportime in Auckland.

“It was a slightly unusual tasking but a great opportunity to help the Timorese community. Seeing the looks on the kids faces when the Iroquois touched down was awesome”

The delivery was set-up after Sergeant Clark made contact with a New Zealand police officer he knew who was working alongside the Timorese Police in the Bazartete area. The officer contacted the school principal, who was delighted to accept the delivery.

Two Iroquois helicopters and more than 170 NZDF personnel are serving with the Combined Joint Task Force in Timor Leste. New Zealand also contributes two Military Liaison Officers who serve with the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT).

ENDS

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