NZDF contingent arrives in Solomon Islands for election support
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) contingent tasked with helping out during Solomon Islands national election has sailed into the capital Honiara to begin its work.
HMNZS Canterbury is carrying two Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopters, which will be used to assist the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission to transport polling boxes and election officials to various locations.
Solomon Islands is geographically dispersed, which means it can be logistically challenging to ensure everyone has a chance to vote in the 17 April ballot.
Members from all services pose for a contingent photo in front of two NH90 Helipcopters on the flight deck of HMNZS Canterbury en route to the soloman islands for OP Moa 2024
Colonel Anthony Childs is the Commander of the 200-strong Joint Task Force from New Zealand.
New Zealand has always had a close relationship with Solomon Islands – most recently when the country hosted the Pacific Games last year, as well as our ongoing Solomon Islands assistance mission.
We’ve been invited back by the government on this occasion to support the democratic process. The team and I look forward to partnering with our Pacific whānau and ensuring that everyone has a chance to vote.
HMNZS Canterbury arrives in port Honiara on Wednesday 03.04.24 to commence Op MOA 2024.
Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Commissioner Mostyn Mangau met with the contingent commander after the ship arrived in Honiara.
The ship sailed from New Zealand on 26 March and will be in Solomon Islands throughout the election.
At last year’s Pacific Games, the NZDF deployed two NH90s and 89 personnel to support local police, alongside military forces from Australia, Papua New Guinea and Fiji.
ENDS
New Zealand Defense Force