Anzac Heirs: Wisdom in the Solomons

A villager discusses the need for radio equipment for his people, with LT COL Peter Hall. Photo / NZ Defence Force

The heat may be oppressive, the conditions grimy, but to the soldiers serving in the Solomon Islands, just hearing just one phrase makes it all worthwhile: "Tanggio tumas fo helpem mi".

Literally "thank you too much for helping me", the local Pijin language phrase has certainly been well-used since the New Zealanders arrived as part of a Pacific force to bring peace to the ravaged country.

The NZ Defence Force joined with Australia, Tonga and Papua New Guinea in answering the Solomons' call for help in 2003, when lawlessness, widespread extortion and civil disobedience had brought the country to its knees.

Under the umbrella of Ramsi (the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands), the New Zealanders have helped restore security and law and order and are now helping the country back on to its feet.

Most of the New Zealand contribution has been drawn from the Territorial Force: men and women who hold down regular jobs and are part-time soldiers. More than 40 soldiers spend four months in the Solomons on rotation. The latest group returned home last month, with eight NZDF personnel staying to fill Staff Officer roles in the Ramsi Headquarters. The next platoonsized Kiwi contingent will deploy in November, to replace an Australian platoon.

With the Territorials making up a quarter of the Army's personnel, the opportunity to take part in an overseas deployment is invaluable, giving the Reservists a chance to take on the challenges experienced as a full-time soldier.

Their civilian skills have often been invaluable in the Solomons, where an important part of the mission has been the ability to gain the confidence and trust of the locals.

It has meant the New Zealanders have been able to provide far more than just security to the Islanders. Soldiers have come from a wide variety of backgrounds, including painting, bartending, law, medicine and viticulture.

In recognition of the fact that employers are losing staff for months at a time to take part in the operation, the NZDF last year took about a dozen bosses to the Solomons to see what their workers go through.

"It was an eye-opener seeing military life up close," said Jamie Hughes, of Copa and Toast Bars in Dunedin. "Seeing the improvement in my employee's attitude and life-skills was a highlight."


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