NZ soldiers due home from Solomons tomorrow

A contingent of 42 New Zealand defence force personnel are due home tomorrow night from the Solomon Islands.

The Linton-based platoon group has been serving with the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (Ramsi) since July.

Contingent commander Major Andrew Fortune said his platoon's duties had included patrolling the countryside, assisting Ramsi police in downtown Honiara, and helping with external security at Rove Prison.

"It's been a busy and sometimes challenging deployment but our soldiers have conducted themselves professionally throughout and have maintained positive relationships with the local community."

Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Rear Admiral Jack Steer said the contingent had played a vital role in ensuring the Solomon Islands remained safe and secure.

- NZPA