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.
