Defence Minister Peeni Henare thanks Defence Force personnel at Whenuapai Airbase before they boarded a C-130 Hercules aircraft bound for Europe to help distribute military aid to Ukraine. Video / NZ Herald
The Government hasn't ruled out the possibility of the New Zealand Defence Force entering Ukraine.
A team of 50 personnel are on way to Europe to help transport and distribute donated military aid to the country, as the war with Russia continues.
A C-130 Hercules aircraft set off from the Whenuapai Airbase, in Auckland, early this morning.
Defence Minister Peeni Henare said although there was no plan at this stage for any of the 50-strong team to enter Ukraine, Cabinet may consider the matter as things evolve.
"We'll continue to monitor that as a Cabinet and as a Government to make the right decision, but of course, our job is that we assess those options and are able to present cases or at least updates to cabinet as required," he said at the airbase today.
"This war is evolving, it's already changed tact and we'll continue to monitor that to make sure our personnel are 1) kept safe but also 2) contribute meaningfully to the global effort there.
"The New Zealand Defence Force is always ready to respond when required so I'm confident that the New Zealand Defence Force, should it be required, are there to respond."
Defence Force staff will spend two months in Europe and will join a chain of military aircraft from partner nations carrying much-needed equipment and supplies to key distribution centres.
At the airbase today, Henare acknowledged the contribution those from New Zealand will have in the effort to help Ukraine.
"New Zealand may be a long way from Europe, but we know that such a blatant attack on a country's sovereignty is a threat to all of us.
"That's why we are doing our bit to support Ukraine."
Defence Minister Peeni Henare speaks at the Whenuapai Airbase in Auckland this morning. Photo / Jed Bradley
Henare said it was a must that he be at the base this morning to farewell those going overseas and acknowledge their upcoming contribution.
A further eight NZDF staff members will also travel to Europe to support the international donor co-ordination centre in Germany with the flow of aid and supplies to Ukraine.
The Hercules departure comes after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the Government's new responses to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war in a post-Cabinet press conference on Monday.
"But at no point will they enter Ukraine, and nor have they been asked to," Ardern said.
An extra $13.1 million will go to military, legal and human rights support.
Of that money, $7.5m will contribute to weapons and ammunition procurement by the United Kingdom.
A total of $4.1m will support commercial satellite access for the Ukrainian Defence Intelligence and $1m to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
