Tauranga woman part of army contingent posted in Solomon Islands

A Tauranga woman has joined a New Zealand Defense Force mission to the Solomon Islands.

Leading aircraftman Phoebe van der Plas will to provide support for the Soloman Islands' recent general election.

Van der Plas joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) five years ago and was part of a 55-member defence force contingent that went to the Islands.

The Soloman Islands' election took place on April 3.

"I have opportunities to travel and a job that offers diverse challenges," Van der Plas said.

As one of two safety and surface technicians from the RNZAF's No.3 Squadron sent to the islands, Van der Plas helped carry out daily maintenance on safety equipment and flying clothing used by the aircrew of two NH90 helicopters used.

"It was a great opportunity to learn how we function in an operation," she said.

"It was also awesome to experience the warm hospitality of the locals."

Safety and surface technicians are trained to maintain aeronautical life support equipment such as flying clothing, aircrew helmets, life jackets, parachutes, life rafts and helicopter emergency floatation systems. They are also in charge of aircraft painting.

"We work behind the scenes to keep our aircrew safe."

Van der Plas joined the RNZAF in January 2014, drawn by the opportunity to travel the world and pursue a career that involves adventure and sport.

After graduating from Tauranga Girls' College in 2010, she worked for a year in the tourism industry and toured Europe with a friend. During her first year at university, a chance conversation with an acquaintance who was keen on joining the Air Force sparked her interest.

"I thought a military career presented a good challenge so I enlisted," she said.

One of Van der Plas' highlights so far was representing the defence force in football against the Royal Air Force.

The match was played at St George's Park in Staffordshire, United Kingdom - the training and preparation ground for all of the England national football teams.

Taking part in a tri-Service charity boxing event at Linton Military Camp, flying to Mount Ruapehu on a T-6C Texan II aircraft and participating in an exercise in New Caledonia are three other memorable highlights.

"I'm in the early stages of my career and I am looking forward to more adventures and opportunities in the future," she said.