NZ soldiers head to Afghanistan for last time

APNZ

24 Sep, 2012 07:36 PMQuick Read

Major General Dave Gawn explains the current situation for the NZ troops and shows the equipment used in the theatre. nzherald.co.nz talks to departing Capt. Chris Buerkeman and his wife Carley about the worries and fears of serving in Afghanistan. The contingent, made up of personnel from 2nd 1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (2/1 RNZIR) and supporting units, will be the 21st rotation to serve in Bamyan Province.

New Zealand's last group of soldiers to serve in Afghanistan will leave today.

About 140 men and women, made up of personnel from 2nd 1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment and supporting units, are part of the 21st deployment to Afghanistan, and will be farewelled from Burnham Military Camp at 9.30 this morning.

New Zealand's provincial Reconstruction Team is withdrawing from Afghanistan in April.

A further 24 personnel are also being sent to Afghanistan as a mission closedown team to remove equipment and personnel from the region.