13th September 2019 The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has been very active working alongside His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF) in the past month. In August a platoon of infantry soldiers from 1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment joined Tongan, American, Australian and French troops for Exercise Tafakula. “We were really pleased to train with our Tongan and other military partners” said commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Childs.
Last week Squadron Leader Libby Reardon presented to senior HMAF officers an update on international military gender integration approaches and outlined the newly established Pacific Defence Gender Network. HMAF representative, Commander Taniela Tuita attended the PDGN launch in Samoa last month.
This week the partnership continues as another contingent of New Zealand Defence Force soldiers exercise their ability to quickly deploy into the Pacific at short notice. “It’s great for us to practice our ability to plan and undertake short notice tasks. What’s also critical is to be able to work closely with friends such as the HMAF. My discussions with the Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, Captain Sione Ulakai have been warm and productive. I am grateful for the support and involvement of the HMAF” said senior NZDF officer, Colonel Rian McKinstry.
“The close relationship extends beyond military engagement” says New Zealand Defence Adviser to Tonga, Lieutenant Colonel Josh Wineera. This week the Royal New Zealand Air Force is transporting HMAF rugby team to Japan to participate in the International Defence World Cup. The comradery and friendship between the Kiwis and Tongans, and with other Pacific nation is something to admire.
The NZDF is well aware that we have the longest Defence partnership with the Tongan Forces and that privilege is something we cannot take for granted and must work on every day. “Advancing our partnership beyond business as usual is the goal” says Lieutenant Colonel Wineera. 
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Release 10 September 2019.
Contact: Lieutenant Colonel Josh Wineera, New Zealand Defence Force
josh.wineera@nzdf.mil.nz +679 763 3844
ENDS