New Zealand Defence Force
Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa
Media Release
Sunday 28 May 2006
Current NZDF Commitment To Timor-Leste
The deployment of New Zealand and Australian Defence Force personnel to bring security, peace and confidence to
Timor-Leste continues.
Almost 170 New Zealand Defence Force personnel are now either on the ground, in transit or directly supporting the
international response to the situation in the country.
NZ Ground forces in Timor-Leste now number around 50 and include an Infantry Rifle platoon from the Burnham Based
2nd/1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. The Rifle Platoon has established itself in Dili and will act as
a platform for the Rifle Company Group that is in transit to Timor-Leste.
The deployment of New Zealand Defence Force personnel is being undertaken by Boeing 757 and C-130 Hercules aircraft from
the Royal New Zealand Air Force. The airlift from New Zealand to Timor-Leste is being assisted by the Australian Defence
Force who are providing staging facilities in Townsville and Darwin.
The deployment of New Zealand Defence Force personnel is expected to continue over the coming days.
ENDS