11 January 2005

Exercise Joint Kiwi Postponed

Due to ongoing commitments to tsunami relief operations in South East Asia by the New Zealand Defence Force, Exercise Joint Kiwi has been postponed.

The exercise was to have run from early February to mid March, with a concentrated effort of personnel and equipment in Hawke's Bay from 26 February to 5 March.

Many of the personnel and equipment committed to tsunami relief operations were to have been involved in the exercise. The Australian Defence Force, who was to take part in Exercise Joint Kiwi, are also facing similar constraints due to their involvement in the relief operation.

"Because of the potential for on-going support to the tsunami relief operation it has become impractical to plan and conduct a major exercise at the same time", said Chief of the Defence Force, Air Marshal Bruce Ferguson. "Postponing the exercise enables all of our resources to be available for overseas operations and whatever the Government may need for the relief operation".

"I fully intend that Exercise Joint Kiwi will go ahead, although that may not be until next year", he said.

ENDS

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