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Caption: New Zealand soldiers from the 4th rotation perform the 'Powhiri', a traditional Maori welcoming ceremony for the new Kiwi Company arriving in Dili, Timor-Leste. +++++ Deep_Caption +++++

TITLE: New Zealand troop rotation in Timor

Deep Caption:

May saw the rotation of New Zealand Troops at Kiwi Lines in Dili Timor-Leste. D Coompany 2/1 Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment replaced C Company of the same Regiment. Both sub-units are from Burnham in the South Island.

The 'Powhiri' ceremony presented the onlookers and the official guests with a colourful and powerful taste of Maori culture. The Australian Commanding Officer of the Battle Group, Lieutenant Colonel Wade Stothart was most impressed.

Operation Astute is the Australian Government's response to a request from the Government of Timor-Leste to assist in restoring peace to their country.

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has deployed to Timor-Leste with a mission to assist the Government and the United Nations to bring stability, security and confidence to the Timorese to allow them to resolve their differences democratically and peacefully.

There are approximately 1000 ADF personnel currently serving in Timor-Leste. This force will remain in Timor-Leste continuing to provide a robust response capability to support the Government of Timor-Leste and the United Nations Police force.

Police from Australia and 24 other nations throughout the world provide security in Dili. The ADF provides support to these police operations as required.