NZDF made a proud contribution to Timor-Leste nationhood

New Zealand military personnel who served in Timor-Leste a quarter of a century ago can be rightly proud of the contribution they made to the young country’s formative years, says a senior soldier representing the New Zealand Defence Force.

20 September, 2024

On Saturday, the first national commemoration of New Zealand’s service in Timor-Leste will be held in Wellington, marking 25 years since the first New Zealand troops arrived in Timor-Leste as part the peacekeeping force led by Australia, and subsequent United Nations missions.

Major General John Howard has just returned from Dili, where he represented the NZDF across three days of events, alongside Otaki MP Tim Costley and Major General (Rtd) Martyn Dunne. All three served as members of the NZDF in Timor-Leste.

“New Zealand personnel who served in Timor-Leste provided a secure space for the Timorese to develop their own democracy and governance structures, allowing a fragile nation to chart its own future,” Major General Howard said.

The NZDF had a committed and strong relationship with its Timor-Leste counterpart, he said.

Major General John Howard and New Zealand Ambassador to Timor-Leste Helen Tunnah pay their respects at the memorial to Private Leonard Manning at Tilomar Patrol Base (Photo credit: MFAT)

Major General (Rtd) Martyn Dunne, left, Otaki MP Tim Costley, who flew for No. 3 Squadron in Timor-Leste, and Major General Howard, at the air operating base in Dili where 3 Squadron was based (MFAT)

He spent time with President José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão and both leaders expressed their deep and enduring thanks to all members of the NZDF who contributed Timor-Leste’s burgeoning nationhood.

Across two periods, from 1999 to 2002, and again in 2006-12, approximately 7,000 New Zealanders were deployed to the country as it transitioned to independence and sought to maintain peace and stability.

Major General Howard, who then held the rank of major, first deployed with the 1^st New Zealand Battalion group to Timor-Leste in 1999.

“Our mission was demanding. It carried significant operational risk and endured for many years,” he said.

He paid tribute to the thousands who served in Timor-Leste, some for multiple deployments, and their families who supported them.

“Your commitment has given more than hope, you helped in no small way to give birth to the nation of Timor-Leste.”

The five New Zealand soldiers who died in Timor would not be forgotten, he said.

“To their families and loved ones… please know that you are never alone, for those of us who served alongside our fallen know that they remain with us in all that we do and have done over the years both in and out of uniform.”