New Zealand Defence Force
Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa

Media Release
04 August 2006

Back from the Solomon’s

Around 40 New Zealand soldiers from Burnham Army Camp return home after a four month tour to the Solomon Islands.

They are due to arrive at the Royal New Zealand Air Force terminal in Christchurch on a C-130 Hercules at 8.40p.m on Saturday 5 August 2006.

The soldiers served as part of the New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) contribution to the Regional Assistance Mission Solomon Islands.

The platoon from 2/1 RNZIR, Battalion have been replaced by their counterparts from Linton Military camp, who deployed to the region five days ago.

There are currently 42 NZDF personnel serving in the Solomon Islands.

ENDS

Background

The Regional Assistance Mission Solomon Islands (RAMSI) commenced in late July 2003 following a request from the Solomon Islands Government for assistance in restoring law and order.

RAMSI was given the support of the Pacific Island Forum, the Commonwealth, and the United Nations. Over 2 thousand police, military and civilian personnel from New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Tonga and Papua New Guinea have served with RAMSI.

The Police component of RAMSI retains overall control of security, with the military component providing a support role. This combined contribution maintains the RAMSI mandate, which is to promote peace and stability within the Solomon Islands

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