OZ AND NZ CHOPPERS ARRIVE TO SUPPORT NATIONAL GENERAL ELECTIONS

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AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION

THE first of six support helicopters arrived at Henderson Airport yesterday (14 March) as part of the Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces’ joint logistics support to Solomon Islands to help deliver a safe and successful election in April.

New Zealand Defence Force NH-90 helicopter is delivered by an Australian Royal
Air Force (RAAF) C-17 aircraft  
At the request of the Solomon Islands Government, the Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces are working together in a Combined Task Group to provide contingency logistics support to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) for the election.

The New Zealand Defence Force NH-90 helicopter, delivered by a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-17 aircraft, was greeted at Henderson Airport by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation Chief Operating Officer, Mr Sylvester Kenatsi, and the RSIPF Aviation Liaison Team.

New Zealand Defence Force briefing on NH-90 helicopter with RSIPF and Ministry
of Communication and Aviation Chief Operating Officer. 
The NH-90 helicopters operated by the New Zealand Defence Force and soon to arrive MRH-90 helicopters operated by the Australian Army are multi-role helicopters capable of lifting large quantities of elections material and personnel to remote locations in support of the RSIPF and SIEC.

In addition to contingency logistics support, Australia and New Zealand will also send election observers, on invitation from the Solomon Islands Government. Both countries share a close partnership and strong relationship with Solomon Islands.

New Zealand Defence Force, Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, and Australian
Defence Force  

Australia and New Zealand have an unwavering commitment to supporting Solomon Islands development, including in election support and good governance.

ENDS///


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