NZDF concluded the withdrawal of last set of military personnel from Afghanistan. Credit: New Zealand Defence Force.

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has withdrawn its remaining military troops from Afghanistan following a 20-year deployment.

Last month, the New Zealand Government announced that it was set to conclude the deployment.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Since the US-led invasion in 2001, New Zealand has deployed more than 3,500 defence and other agency workforce to Afghanistan.

During this period, ten New Zealanders lost their lives in the line of duty.

Final contingent Senior National Officer Colonel Ben Bagley said that the six personnel, who are the last set of troops, made a significant contribution to the nation.

According to NZDF, five of the six NZDF personnel have completed two weeks of managed isolation in New Zealand while the sixth person is based overseas with family.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Colonel Ben Bagley said: “While small in number, we had sizeable tasks ahead of us when we first arrived in Afghanistan last year. When we lowered the New Zealand flag, we were all quite proud to be the last Kiwis to represent our country in Afghanistan.”

Three NZDF personnel have been supporting the ‘UK-led mentoring for the Afghan National Army Officer Academy (ANAOA)’.

NZDF noted that the defence force’s role at the ANAOA changed from ‘training cadets to one of mentoring Afghan trainers’ over time.

ANAOA has now reached ‘self-sufficiency’ and does not require New Zealand’s contribution.

Bagley said that coronavirus-related measures had greatly ‘restricted movements’ and daily activities in Afghanistan, and added that ”it was good to be back in New Zealand’.

He added: “Gyms and messes were closed, everyone wears face masks, meetings are held virtually and there is no socialising.”

Last year, the NZDF conducted a critical training exercise in the South Auckland and Papakura areas to maintain its operational readiness.