Depart for Timor-Leste
Presidential appreciation
The ninth rotation of Kiwi troops to serve in Timor-Leste deployed on 19 May 2010. They form the first contingent of a downsized New Zealand Defence Force commitment to Timor-Leste, enabled by an improving security situation in the region.
The Defence Force contribution to the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Timor-Leste will now consist of up to 75 personnel, rather than up to 140 personnel who have previously made up OPERATION GYRO. The reduction is in line with international trends—the Australian Defence Force (ADF) also reduced its personnel numbers in the ISF. The New Zealand Defence Force will still maintain a distinctive role in Timor-Leste, and one that complements the ADF contribution to the ISF, while also supporting the development of the Falintil-Forças de Defesa de Timor-Leste (F-FDTL), the Timor-Leste Defence Force. Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, Air Vice-Marshal Peter Stockwell said the focus of the ISF is evolving from a security and stabilisation role to supporting the capacity building of the F-FDTL.
“The New Zealand Defence Force will still maintain a response force here in New Zealand to react at short notice to any deterioration in the security situation, if needed, and in conjunction with the ADF.
“The ideal outcome for Timor-Leste is for their security forces, the Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste (National Police of Timor-Leste), and F-FDTL, providing for law and order and national security without the need for the ISF.”
The eighth rotation of Kiwi troops to serve in Timor-Leste arrived back in New Zealand, 28 May 2010.