Bulk of NZ soldiers in East Timor preparing for return home

Preparations are under way for the return of New Zealand defence personnel from East Timor.

The October edition of Defence Update, the defence force publication, said preparations for the return of the bulk of the New Zealand forces in East Timor had been under way since early September.

Several charter aircraft, some air force aircraft, a chartered ship and more than 100 shipping containers would be used in the move, Wing Commander Steve Goodman said in the article.

"Personnel will return to New Zealand on United Nations-chartered aircraft, as will some of the equipment the New Zealanders have used, including Iroquois helicopters," he said.

A 54-strong team has been getting equipment ready, cleaning it and packing it for transport.

"It's a huge task, with four helicopters, more than 100 vehicles, plus 200 different categories of other plant or equipment to be prepared and moved," he said.

The army's vehicles, including armoured personnel carriers, would be returned by United Nations-chartered ship.

Some vehicles would be left for New Zealand's Consulate General in the capital, Dili, and for other government organisations in East Timor.

A Thai Defence Force battalion and a Singapore Air Force helicopter squadron will take over from the New Zealanders.

A flag-lowering ceremony to mark the defence force's three-year tour in East Timor will be held on November 15. Defence Minister Mark Burton will attend.

- NZPA