NZ soldiers head to Afghanistan for last time

7:36 AM Tuesday Sep 25, 2012

New Zealand soldiers drive their light armored vehicle to a fighting position during a stand-to drill on Forward Operating Base Bamyan. Photo / Sgt. Ken Scar

New Zealand's last group of soldiers to serve in Afghanistan will leave today.

About 140 men and women, made up of personnel from 2nd 1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment and supporting units, are part of the 21st deployment to Afghanistan, and will be farewelled from Burnham Military Camp at 9.30 this morning.

New Zealand's provincial Reconstruction Team is withdrawing from Afghanistan in April.

A further 24 personnel are also being sent to Afghanistan as a mission closedown team to remove equipment and personnel from the region.

By Hana Garrett-Walker

- APNZ