Armed soldiers on street of Whanganui ... but don't panic

Soldiers from the First Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (1NZIR) resist rioters in a 2016 exercise at Whanganui's Landguard Bluff. Photo / File

If you came across heavily-armed soldiers when you picked up the Chronicle from your letterbox this morning — don't panic.

The military invasion of Whanganui is just an exercise.

Soldiers began moving into the town under cover of darkness last night, and people can expect to see soldiers, in uniform with military weapons and military vehicles, on their streets.

The force is about 200-strong, and from the First Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment and Warrant Officer John Cantwell told the Chronicle they were in the midst of training in Exercise Black Diamond.

The exercise began two weeks ago at Waiouru, but the army needed a built-up area to extend its training, and Whanganui was chosen.

The soldiers will all be playing roles in the exercise, including information-gathering.
Warning notices have been distributed in some suburbs.

"It's nothing scary — it's just to warn the public of Whanganui that the boys will be in the area," Cantwell said.

Most of the soldiers will be staying in army huts at Landguard Bluff, but smaller groups will be put up at the Durie Hill Bowling Club, Te Ao Hou Marae and the Castlecliff Surf Club.

They will hold an open day on Thursday, July 5, probably in Maria Place, and finish their exercise on Friday.