Santa and sleigh for forces in Bamiyan

It will be a Christmas away from home and loved ones for 221 New Zealand Defence Force personnel on duty in 21 countries in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, the global war against terrorism, or peace support operations with the United Nations.

In Sinai, Egypt, a 26-strong contingent will host Christmas Eve drinks and give a kapa haka performance for other nations.

In Afghanistan, 94 personnel are in the New Zealand provincial reconstruction team.

From the New Zealand base in the town of Bamiyan, Captain Sally Homer told the Herald last night that the daytime temperature was zero degrees and at night minus 10-15C.

"Everyone is looking forward to Christmas Day with Santa coming in a sleigh," she said.

"There will be a present for everyone."

The contingent is keenly awaiting the weekly mail drop that arrives on Friday.

It snows from November to May in the town, which is 3000m above sea level - the same as Mt Ruapehu.

The team includes 10 members from the Navy, 79 from the Army, and five from the Air Force.

Another 14 New Zealanders are providing support to this team and to the International Security Assistance Force in Kabul, and training to the Afghan National Army.

Major-General Lou Gardiner, commander, Joint Force New Zealand, said personnel serving overseas could be proud of their contribution to peace and security operations around the world.

NZ TROOPS SERVING OVERSEAS

Afghanistan: 94 personnel from the NZ Provincial Reconstruction Team (NZPRT) provide security and reconstruction in the province of Bamyan. An additional 14 personnel provide support to the NZPRT and the International Security Assistance Force in Kabul and training to the Afghan National Army.

Antarctica: 20 personnel are at Scott Base and McMurdo, the US base, providing air transport, logistics and personnel support during the summer months.

Solomon Islands: One officer is serving in Honiara as the deputy commander to the Regional Assistance Mission in the Solomon Islands (Ramsi).

East Timor: Four officers are in Dili providing support to the UN and helping to train the Timor Leste Defence Force.

Bosnia-Herzegovina: Three officers are working with the European Union Force in Banja Luka and a further eight personnel are in Prijedor as part of the liaison and observation team.

Egypt: 26 personnel are serving with the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) as driving instructors, heavy transport drivers and staff officers at the headquarters in El Gorah.

Kosovo: One officer is serving with the United Nations.

Iraq: One officer is serving with the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq as a military liaison adviser.

Other United Nations missions: The NZ Defence Force has commitments to other UN missions around the world including Korea, Sudan and the Israel/Lebanon border.