Sixty-seven New Zealand soldiers have left for East Timor to help train the local soldiers.
The soldiers, from 1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment and supporting units, left Ohakea air base today and will spend six months in East Timor.
They are the 12th rotation of troops and will support the Australian-led International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in East Timor, which has experienced violence since gaining independence in 2002.
However, the improved security situation means the ISF has moved from a security and stabilisation role to supporting the capacity building of the nation's defence force, the Falintil-Foras de Defesa de Timor-Leste.
An army spokeswoman said the New Zealanders would help train the East Timorese troops in all aspects of soldiering, and would be involved in community patrols.
The New Zealand Defence Force will pull out following local elections next year.
NZN