The Government continues to explore all options for assisting New Zealanders stranded by conflict in the Middle East, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins say.
“The events in the Middle East are fast-moving, dangerous and complex – and our primary focus is on assisting New Zealanders in the region to the extent possible in this very challenging security environment,” said Peters.
“With airspace closed and most commercial flights not operating, we continue to recommend that New Zealanders shelter in place – or take any safe and practical opportunities that are available to leave the region.
“As part of preparing for all contingencies, we are pre-deploying New Zealand consular staff and two Defence Force planes to the region – so that they can be ready when conditions allow to assist with any civilian evacuation operations.
“In preparing for the possibility of civilian evacuation operations, we are working closely with our consular partners. We are also in discussions with commercial airlines, including on the subject of charter options.
“We cannot be sure when and how any civilian evacuation operations might be possible, but we want to be ready if and when conditions on the ground make them possible.”
This deployment of consular staff and two NZDF C-130J aircraft is part of New Zealand’s contingency plans in preparation for supporting New Zealanders wishing to leave the Middle East, said Collins.
“The New Zealand Defence Force and Foreign Affairs staff are playing a vital role in this situation, stepping up to assist New Zealanders in distress overseas,” Ms Collins says.
“Decisions on precisely where the consular response team and two C-130Js will be deployed are still to be taken, though their location will be selected taking safety and other practical factors into account.
“There will also be limits, for reasons of operational security, to how much we can comment publicly on when and where the New Zealand Government personnel and aircraft will be deployed.”
All New Zealanders in the Middle East are urged to register on SafeTravel.
There are currently around 3,000 New Zealanders registered with MFAT as living in the Middle East.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is running a 24/7 response operation to events in the Middle East, including via teams in the region.
New Zealanders needing urgent consular assistance should call the Ministry’s Emergency Consular Call Centre on +64 99 20 20 20.
Several days late and a dollar short.
Operation Epstein Fury
Oh and just remember, we support the people doing this….so if you are still around next election, God willing, show us the door………….