New Zealand's three fallen soldiers will arrive back in the country this afternoon.
The bodies of Corporal Luke Tamatea, Lance Corporal Jacinda Baker, and Private Richard Harris are being flown to Christchurch from Afghanistan, via Australia.
All three were based at the Canterbury military headquarters at Burnham.
Army spokesman Major John Gordon says the ramp ceremony involves the families entering the aircraft where prayers will be said and then the coffins will be walked to the hearses.
Major Gordon says not a lot is said but it's a very sombre occasion.
