New deployment of troops to leave for afghanistan

A group of 108 New Zealand Defence Force personnel will head to Afghanistan on Monday to relieve the current troops ending their six month rotation in Bamyan Province.

The group will serve with the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team (NZ PRT).

Contingent leader Group Captain Kevin Short said he believed the biggest challenge the group faced was achieving its objectives over a harsh Afghan winter where temperatures dropped as low as -20 degrees Celsius.

Group Captain Short said 14 fewer personnel were being used for the winter rotation because the icy conditions and snow made it too difficult to patrol a number of mountain ranges and passes in Bamyan province.

The majority of the troops would stay at Kiwi Base in Bamyan province but 11 would be based in Bagram, to the east, to provide logistical support, he said.

Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Rear Admiral Jack Steer said the NZ PRT aimed to ensure security in Bamyan province by carrying out regular patrols, liaising with local government and helping to distribute aid and improve infrastructure.

Currently 673 New Zealand Defence Force personnel are deployed on peacekeeping operations, United Nations missions and defence diplomacy activities in 18 missions across 14 countries.

- NZPA