New Zealand's Iraq training contingent departs for Australia

The main body of the New Zealand Defence Force training contingent bound for Iraq departed for Australia today from Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Ohakea.

The contingent was farewelled by the Governor General, Lieutenant General, The Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae, Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, Major General Tim Gall, and the Chief of Army, Major General Dave Gawn.

Consistent with the requirement to keep New Zealand personnel safe, the departure of the main body was not publicly advised in advance.

In addition, the NZDF will not be supplying details in advance of the onward deployment of the main body to the Middle East from Australia.

There is no NZDF involvement in the Australian event today, which is being held to farewell Australian troops being deployed to Iraq. 

The Government announced in February the deployment of up to 143 NZDF personnel on a joint mission with the Australians to help build the capacity of the Iraqi Security Forces.

The Building Partner Capacity mission is a non-combat mission for a two year period, with a review to be conducted after nine months.

Note: This release is in line with NZDF policy to keep operational security to ensure the safety and security of deploying personnel.  Due to operational security reasons, details in advance of the onward deployment of the main body to the Middle East from Australia will not be released.
 
The safety and well-being of Defence Force personnel and their families is a top priority, and therefore deploying personnel will not be identified.

Source:  Defence Public Affairs