Corporal Willie Apiata has been to told be more careful after
being snapped by a photographer in Kabul, the Chief of
Defence Force, Lieutenant-general Jerry Mateparae said
yesterday.
The photograph was taken shortly after Cpl Apiata had removed
his helmet.
He had just established with other coalition forces that
buildings in downtown Kabul had been cleared of insurgents
and had turned to head back with a colleague to his SAS
group.
The picture of Cpl Apiata and an unnamed colleague was
published in The New Zealand Herald.
The colleague had on a helmet and glasses.
Lt-gen Mateparae said Cpl Apiata had seen the photograph.
"Willie has been spoken to," he said.
"He has been told to be more careful."
But he said it was not a disciplinary matter - he had not
broken any rules.
He would not say if Cpl Apiata was being brought home or
would return at the end of the first rotation - thought to be
next month.
Lt-gen Mateparae said that while he did not have to consult
the SAS about the new policy of disclosure, it was aware of
the trends towards greater disclosure.
"They and I believe that it is a fair comment that New
Zealanders should know what people are doing on their
behalf."
Bookmark/Search this post with:
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.