The New Zealand Army soldier killed in Afghanistan last week will be buried in Auckland without a formal military farewell in Christchurch because the earthquake there.
Private Kirifi Mila died while on patrol in Bamiyan when the Humvee he was in rolled down a cliff.
The Defence Force had planned
a ceremony for Private Mila in Christchurch this afternoon.
Private Mila's body arrived at Auckland airport yesterday where his casket was met by his family, members of his 2nd 1st Battalion unit based at Burnham, and commander joint forces for New Zealand, Air Vice Marshal Peter Stockwell.
His casket, accompanied by a NZ Army guard of honour and escort, was to be carried from the aircraft at Christchurch Airport to be transported to Burnham Military Camp, south of Christchurch, for a formal military arrival ceremony, also known as a "ramp ceremony."
However, the Defence Force said the ceremony was cancelled because of the Christchurch earthquake and a private family service would be held in Auckland on Friday.
