New Zealand military takes lead in Pacific island aid program

The New Zealand military is to lead a major multi-national aid exercise in some of its smaller Pacific island neighbors this year, with a focus on the tiny nation of Kiribati, the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) announced Monday. HMNZS Canterbury, the New Zealand navy's multi-role vessel, sailed Monday bound for Kiribati to lead the annual Pacific Partnership mission (PP13), involving its six partner nations, namely the United States, Australia, Canada, France, Japan and Malaysia. The mission in Kiribati would include the disposal of live ammunition left on the reef after the 1943 Battle of Tarawa in World War Two, the refurbishment of a bridge, a hydrographic survey of the port at Betio, veterinary clinics for sterilisation of pets and stray animals, the renovation of an accommodation block at the Kiribati Teachers College and the repair and renovation of high school classroom blocks. Deputy Mission Commander, New Zealand navy Captain Tony Millar, said it was the first year that New Zealand had an active leadership role in the Pacific Partnership. "These projects will complement New Zealand's broader program of development support for Kiribati, which focuses on lifting economic performance, improving workforce skills, and fostering sustainable-liveable urban areas," High Commissioner Mike Walsh said in the statement. HMNZS Canterbury would also deliver 42 hospital beds and an ambulance to a remote area of the Solomon Islands. Pacific Partnership was launched in 2005 after the devastating December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and involves the military forces and non-governmental organizations in joint activities. The NZDF contribution to PP13 includes three navy ships, three air force aircraft, and more than 300 NZDF personnel.