By Greg Ansley
DILI - A rousing haka announced the arrival of New Zealand troops in Dili yesterday.
The Australian commander of the Interfet force, Major-General Peter Cosgrove, was clearly impressed with the performance by 140 soldiers of Victor Company.
"No person in this world could see that haka without knowing that the
Maori warrior, the New Zealand soldier, is among them. I salute you ... Good on you, New Zealand," he told the troops as they settled in to their new base - an old seminary in the west of Dili.
His sentiments were echoed by Australian diggers, who set aside Bledisloe Cup jokes as Hercules aircraft of several nations began ferrying troops, armoured personnel carriers and other gear across the Timor Sea.
"Anzacs together again - can't wait," said one.
Falintil pro-independence guerrillas who came out of hiding in the hills yesterday were also delighted to see Victor Company.
Armindo Maia, likely to be a member of the first republican government, said his people were grateful to New Zealand. "I believe the people of East Timor will always remember New Zealand's help."
Victor Company, the vanguard of what will become New Zealand's biggest commitment since the Vietnam War, arrived in the blast of Dili's heat as RNZAF Iroquois helicopters prepared for their first mission over potentially hostile territory.
"I gave a sigh of relief that I was actually on the ground here," said Corporal Renata Taru, as he trudged across the tarmac in 35-degree heat, bowed down by 80kg of equipment.
The news that Victor Company would be reinforced to form a separate New Zealand battalion was also welcomed by the soldiers, who will initially work with Australian troops.
Colonel Martyn Dunne, in charge of the New Zealand contingent, said a Canadian company might be attached to the battalion to bring the number under New Zealand command up to about 1000. Other nationalities might also join, but he would not say who.
