Another contingent of military personnel, mainly Territorial Force, has left for a four-month tour of duty in the Solomon Islands.
It is the 10th rotation of forces to support the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands and will carry out patrols, liaise with locals and provide assistance to the police.
Associate Defence Minister Heather Roy farewelled the contingent of 44, drawn mainly from the 7th Wellington Hawke's Bay Battalion, at Ohakea Air Force Base.
"While many of these personnel have already participated in operational service, for others this will be their first tour of duty," she said.
"Together they form an impressive combination of regulars and reservists, showing the strength of our Defence Force by working as one."
Roy says she will vsit them in the Solomon Islands in early September.
