6 May 2011

South Korean Battle Anniversary
Last week I was privileged to represent New Zealand at the 60th anniversary ceremonies of the Battle of Kap’yong in South Korea. South Korea’s Minister of National Defence Kim Kwan-jin and Minister of Patriots’ and Veterans’ Affairs Park Sung-choon attended the commemorations with Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, British Minister of Defence Equipment, Support and Technology Peter Luff and Korean-born Canadian Senator Yonah Martin.

In my address at the New Zealand/Australia Kap’yong Memorial I emphasised the enduring ANZAC spirit that had played its role in this part of the Korean War. The battle fought 60 years ago in the hills of Kap’yong required the utmost of the young Australian and New Zealand soldiers. They knew they were in a mortal struggle. It was an honour to salute those who are still with us today for their deeds of valour 60 years ago and to remember those who fell in the cause of freedom.

The reasons for our involvement in the defence of South Korea were just and valid. They remain so today and this is reflected in our commitment to the United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission. The peace has allowed both New Zealand and Korea to broaden the relationship between our two countries in many other fields of endeavour.

New Era for RNZAF Orions
The first of the Air Force's upgraded P3K2 Orion aircraft was formally welcomed home from the United States at the RNZAF's Whenuapai base on Monday.

Delivery of the Orion upgrade has been a top priority for the National-led Government since taking office. The poor management of the previous Government led to substantial delays - the project has taken far longer than we wanted.

The upgrade includes improved surveillance, reconnaissance, navigation and communication systems. It puts the Air Force at the forefront of technology. The Orion will now have vastly more capability across its whole range of missions, from military operations through to search and rescue, supporting our Pacific relationships and effective monitoring of our Exclusive Economic Zone. The systems upgrade complements the earlier airframe upgrades and together, they will see the Orion through to 2025.

The work on the other five aircraft is being done by Safe Air in Blenheim. The first of those will be delivered in about three months.

Hon Dr Wayne Mapp
MP North Shore

ENDS

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