Apiata told to be more careful

Corporal Willie Apiata. Photo / Northern Advocate

Corporal Willie Apiata has been told to be more careful after being snapped by a photographer in Kabul, the Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae, said yesterday.

The photograph was taken last Monday about 3.10 pm (local time), shortly after Corporal Apiata had removed his helmet.

He had just established with other coalition forces that buildings in downtown Kabul had been cleared of insurgents and had turned to head back with a colleague to his SAS group.

The picture of Apiata and an unnamed colleague was published in the Herald. Corporal Apiata's colleague had a helmet and glasses on.

General Mateparae said that Corporal Apiata had seen the photograph.

"Willie has been spoken to," he said.

"He has been told to be more careful."

But he said it was not a disciplinary matter - he had not broken any rules.

"He has seen the photograph. He has had a discussion with his colleagues."

General Mateparae would not say if he was being brought home early or would be returning at the end of the first rotation - thought to be next month.

But he said he would continue to be deployed.

The General said that while he did not have to consult the SAS about the new policy of disclosure, they were aware of the trends towards greater disclosure.

"They and I believe that it is a fair comment that New Zealanders should know what people are doing on their behalf."