Timor Leste

There are currently 80 New Zealand Defence Force personnel across all NZDF missions in Timor-Leste.

10 March 2011

DEFENCE FORCE PERSONNEL IN TIMOR-LESTE DIG DEEP FOR CHRISTCHURCH

NZDF personnel in Timor-Leste serving as part of the Australian led International Stabilisation Force (ISF) have raised over USD$7000.00 to help the people of Christchurch.

The earthquake in Christchurch had a profound effect on the NZDF personnel deployed as many of them are based in Burnham. The news of the earthquake was readily available to the forces in Timor-Leste and through the wide variety of communications that are available to personnel deploying overseas, almost everyone was able to contact friends and family within a few days.

The commander of the NZDF contingent, Wing Commander Sam Leske said, “We are all very proud of our colleagues in the NZDF who are helping with the relief effort. We wanted to do something to help the people of Christchurch and fund raising is just one of the small ways we can contribute.”

The fund raising activities, including a raffle and a collection, were enthusiastically supported by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) contingent in the ISF. With many of the ADF members being based in the flood ravaged parts of Queensland they were very much aware of the problems of being away from home during a natural disaster.

“The generosity of our Australian colleagues in the International Stabilisation Force is outstanding. It’s great to see that we come together in the true spirit of ANZAC and help each other out.”

6 January 2011

CHANGE OF NZDF SENIOR NATIONAL OFFICER

A traditional Maori Powhiri has marked the changing of commanders for New Zealand’s military commitment to the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Timor-Leste.

Held at Kiwi Lines in Dili, the deployed New Zealand soldiers, sailors and air force personnel gave the traditional welcoming ceremony as a mark of respect for both the outgoing chief Commander Tony Millar RNZN and to incoming boss Wing Commander Sam Leske.

Commander Millar, who served six months as both the Deputy Commander – ISF and as the Senior National Officer of the New Zealand forces assigned to ISF, said he will remember with pride the contribution New Zealand military men and women have made to improving the security and stability of Timor-Leste.

“I’m also proud to see Timor-Leste moving forwards,” he said.

While Commander Millar said he would be glad to see his wife again and settle back into domestic life, it was still difficult to leave his team behind.

“It is never easy to hand over the reigns of something that is so positive,” he said.

“We have a great bunch of people, so it is sad to leave.”
Commander Millar said the standout moment of his deployment was the teamwork that existed between the Australian and New Zealand forces that make up the ISF.

“The shared abilities and the spirit of Anzac bring out so many things,” he said.

“It is a force multiplier, and makes us proud to be members of the South Pacific community.”

Wing Commander Leske said he was honoured to become the latest New Zealand commander for the 70-strong force.

“A Powhiri is quite a spiritual service, and to hold one for this event is a special moment for commanders and troops alike,” he said.

“I look forward to continuing the work of developing a safe and stable Timor-Leste leading up to the 2012 elections,” he said.

18 May 2010 

As part of planned troop reductions that have been enabled by an improving security situation, the New Zealand 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.

 

Earlier this year, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) reduced its personnel numbers in the ISF to around 400. The New Zealand Defence Force will still maintain a distinctive role in Timor-Leste, and one that complements the ADF contribution to the ISF, whilst 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, says 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 full New Zealand Defence Force contribution to the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) is now: 

·        Four personnel in the ISF Combined Joint Task Force HQ.

·        Nine personnel with the New Zealand Defence Force National Command Element.

·        Eighteen personnel in the National Support Element.

·        Forty-three personnel make up the infantry component.

 

The NZDF also contributes to Timor-Leste:

·        One Military Observer with the United Nations Mission in Timor-Leste.

·        Five advisors to the F-FDTL.

 

29 October 2008
End of RNZAF Deployment to Timor Leste

The final rotation of Royal New Zealand Air Force personnel serving with the No 3 Squadron helicopter detachment in Timor Leste returned to New Zealnad on 31 October 2008, bringing to an end the last planned overseas deployment of RNZAF Iroquois helicopters.

TIMELINE:

31 October 08  RNZAF helicopter detachment end their mission in Timor-Leste and return to New Zealand.

19 May 08 A tour of duty in Timor-Leste which saw the attempted assassination of Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister and the death of rebel leader Alfredo Reinado ends for 142 New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel.

11 February 08 President Jose Ramos Horta is shot in an alleged assassination attempt, and Alfredo Reinado is killed.

2 December 07  Minor incidents and gang activity continues, all within the range of PNTL and UNPOL.

4 November 07  Unrest continues to centre on IDP camps.

15 October 07  NZ troops move back to Dili and resume operations within their AO.

6 October 07  APM Government passes "transitional budget". 36 votes for, 21 against, 6 abstentions.

September 07  NZ troops move from Dili to Eastern Districts.  Company now established in Baucau, Viqueque, Uaatolari and Los Palos.

8 August 07  APM Government sworn in: APM Coalition 37 seats, Opposition parties 28 seats.

30 June 07  Parliamentary elections.

9 May 07 New Zealand Iroquois helicopters and troops are delivering ballot boxes and patrolling the streets to ensure a secure environment for the presidential run-off elections.

9 April 07 New Zealand troops patrolled the streets of Dili with UN Police and Timorese security forces to ensure a secure environment for Timor Leste's election day. The election was conducted in a peaceful manner.

23 Nov 06 A contingent of 150 NZDF personnel deployed to Timor-Leste for a six month deployment during which they will oversee the country's second ever democratic elections.. The contingent replaces 142 personnel who have been serving in the country for six months.

29 Oct 06 Dili Airport was closed after conflict between rival gangs flared up. Newspaper reports indicated up to eight people were killed and more than 50 injured in the violence. Most of the clashes took place to the west of New Zealand's area of operations in Dili.

04 Oct 06 Sixteen New Zealand Army engineers returned home from Timor-Leste. They were in the country for three months upgrading facilities at the Kiwi base to house the company group deployed there. One hundred and thirty two personnel remain in Timor, with a further six stationed in Darwin as support.

30 Aug 06  NZ troops drawdown from Timor-Leste.  The troops returned after the New Zealand Government announced that the force in Timor Leste was to reduce as the country finds some stability after months of turmoil.  Media Release: Timor Troops Get Ready to Come Home

25 Aug 06  UN Security Council establishes a new expanded operation to take over the current United Nations Office in Timor-Leste.  UN SCR 1704 (2006) adopted the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT). For more info click on UNMIT

12 July 06  Two hundred and four NZ Army soldiers are  serving in Timor Leste, with six support personnel based in Darwin. 

After five weeks in theatre, the soldiers are working to restore the confidence of local Timorese by carrying out patrols in an Area of Operations to the east of Dili.  They continue patrolling and security operations by foot and vehicle, using the NZ Army’s Pinzgauer Light Operational Vehicle.    

The Senior National Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Jeremy Harker noted that the military presence appears to be providing a reassuring influence in the city.  “We’re in a relative period of calm at the moment.  Patterns of life are returning to normal, shops are reopening; there are more vehicles in the streets, and local children are returning to school.”

New Zealand soldiers have confiscated over 1500 weapons since they began contributing to the international relief effort in Timor Leste.  The weapons range from pistols and machetes, to self-constructed shanghais and other weapons.

The 25 New Zealand Police arriving in Dili today will be met and briefed by members of the NZDF contingent, prior to commencing their duties. 

05 July 2006  The first New Zealand soldiers deployed to Timor-Leste to join the Multinational Peacekeeping Force return home. The 30 soldiers from 2/1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, based at Burnham, deployed to Timor at short notice on the 27th May. They were accompanied by seven Military Police from Linton Camp who were deployed to secure the New Zealand Embassy and provide protection for the New Zealand Ambassador and her staff.

"The soldiers, who deployed to the region at short notice, have done a great job helping to create a more safe and secure environment in Timor Leste. The families and friends should also be commended for the support they have provided to the soldiers" said Commander Joint Force New Zealand, Rear Admiral Jack Steer.

04 July 2006 150 Malaysian Police arrived in Dili as further contribution to the Coalition Task Force.  One month on from the initial riots and civil disorder the scene is now set by the Coalition Task Force to carry out community policing. A NZ Police contingent of 25 personnel are set to join the Coalition Task force within the next 10 days further enhancing New Zealand's role of providing stability in Timor-Leste.

03 July 2006 To date NZDF forces have confiscated a total of 830 military style firearms, 146 civilian style firearms and 24 other miscellaneous pyrotechnics.  The NZDF Company group continue to maintain security in the Becora region.

02 July 2006The NZDF legal officer in Dili attended UNOTIL Human Rights brief on Timor-Leste constitution, criminal procedures and relationships between public and police.  The information provided at the briefing reinforces deployed NZDF personnel training and knowledge of peacekeeping and stability operations in Timor-Leste.

01 July 2006 – More New Zealand troops deploy in support of current operations in Timor-Leste. The soldiers from 2/1 Battalion, based at Burnham, and Military Police from Linton Camp replace soldiers who were deployed at short notice on 27th May 2006.

27 June 2006 - The Prime Minister Helen Clark announces 25 NZ Police will be sent to Timor Leste in the next couple of weeks. The NZ Police will be armed and will work alongside the NZ troops and Australian federal police.

20 June 2006 - A warning shot is fired by a NZ patrol after encountering an armed crowd who refused to disarm and disperse when directed to do so. The crowd appeared to be threatening a local interpreter accompanying the patrol. The crowd dispersed when the warning shot was fired.

14 June 2006 - A NZ soldier while on patrol receives a superficial leg wound after being hit by a dart fired by a group of youths as the patrol went to disperse them.

11 June 2006 - UN Special Envoy returns to New York and briefs Secretary-General Kofi Annan on situation in Timor-Leste.

8 June 2006- Defence Minister Phil Goff promises New Zealand troops stationed in Timor Leste will remain as long as it takes to help provide stability. He says while troops can provide some security, they may need to be supported by an international community policing presence.

7 June 2006- Defence Minister Phil Goff and Defence Secretary Graham Fortune make a brief visit to Timor Leste to meet with NZDF personnel working in Dili. They  also meet Timor Leste Defence Minister Jose Ramos Horta and other key leaders to discuss problems leading to the recent crisis.

2 June 2006- Eight New Zealand Army Military Police deployed to Timor Leste to assist in establishing law and order in the troubled region. The Military Police are providing security to the New Zealand Embassy and to the Ambassador and her staff which will allow them to go about their work liaising with other agencies in response to the relief efforts in Dili.

31 May 2006- A further 123 New Zealand troops arrived in Timor Leste, with four New Zealand Pinzgauer Light Operational vehicles. The deployment of the Delta Company soldiers increases the NZDF presence in Timor Leste to 162.

30 May 2006- A 14-member NZDF planning team is based in Sydney,  working alongside their Australian counterparts to determine tasks to be undertaken by the New Zealanders, and ensure the contingent fits smoothly into the international coalition.

29 May 2006- A 42-strong NZDF contingent secures the New Zealand embassy in Dili, protecting the New Zealand Ambassador and other personnel.

27 May 2006- A further 124 soldiers from 2/1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment travel to Townsville, Australia, prior to deploying to Timor Leste.

26 May 2006- The Prime Minister, Helen Clark announces the New Zealand government is dispatching an RNZAF 757, a Hercules C130 and New Zealand Army personnel to Darwin

25 May 2006- Following riots, gunfights, looting and burning in Dili, Timor Leste Foreign Minister Jose Ramos Horta asks for help from New Zealand, Australia, Portugal and Malaysia.

Further Information

East Timor (Timor-Leste) became an independent country on 20 May 2002, marking the end of a three-year process towards independence under the guidance of the United Nations (UN).  Since then the UN has provided assistance to East Timor over a period of two years until all control was handed over to the East Timor authorities, however the Council extended its mission for another year to allow the new nation, which had changed its name to Timor-Leste, to attain self-sufficiency.

Throughout this period New Zealand has contributed military personnel as military observers, military advisers, training teams and staff officers.

The deployment of New Zealand Defence Force personnel and transport of stores has been undertaken by Boeing 757 and C-130 Hercules aircraft from the Royal New Zealand Air Force, working alongside Australian Defence Force air transport.