It was with deep regret that my wife Janine and I learnt of the death of a New Zealand Special Air Service soldier in Afghanistan.
The NZSAS soldier was part of the NZ contingent mentoring the Afghan Crisis Response Unit. He was shot during an operation in the Wardak province, near Kabul, this morning. The soldier, whose name has not been released at this time, is the fourth member of the New Zealand Defence Force to be killed while on operations in Afghanistan following the deaths of Lieutenant Tim O’Donnell DSD, Private Kirifi Mila and Corporal Dougie Grant.
New Zealand has had defence service personnel serving in Afghanistan since 2001, with the NZSAS redeployed to Kabul in 2009. All who have served have been committed to bringing peace and stability to that war-torn country.
Military service carries significant risks, none more so than for those members of the Defence Force serving in Afghanistan. The soldier’s presence in Afghanistan exemplified his dedication to New Zealand and the New Zealand Defence Force’s mission in that country.
On behalf of all New Zealanders, Janine and I extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and mates-in-arms of the deceased soldier, as they come to terms with this tragic loss.
Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae
Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief
Media contact: Rebekah Clement, Public Affairs Advisor, Government House on 021-243-7958