NZDF reveals deployments

WELLINGTON: The Defence Force has released information about the location of its deployments around the world at the request of the Government.

Its website was updated yesterday to show where troops were stationed, how many personnel had been deployed and the purpose of their mission.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said it was a relatively minor disclosure by the Defence Force. But she said her Government was committed to being as open and transparent as possible about international commitments.

‘‘In the past, information has been updated on an ad hoc basis,’’ she said. ‘‘Now, deployment information is easier to access and consolidated in one place.’’

Not all information could be released publicly because of security concerns, Ms Ardern said.

The website shows New Zea land has military commitments in Fiji, South Korea, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Iraq, Israel, Egypt, South Sudan and Mali. There are also maritime operations in Southern Asia and the Arabian Gulf.

The biggest military commitment is New Zealand’s deployment to Iraq, where up to 143 troops are training local forces as part of the coalition to defeat Islamic State.

The Defence Force will also be releasing its cabinet papers on decisions about future deployments.

Defence Minister Ron Mark also said yesterday New Zealand’s contribution to the United Nations’ South Sudan mission would be expanded by one person.

The mission is led by former Labour leader David Shearer. New Zealand troops have been in Sudan since 2005, and in South Sudan since its independence in 2011. — NZME