Up to 500 personnel from the New Zealand Army regular and reserve forces and Australian Army reserve members will be descending on the Hokonui Hills and Waikaia areas from July 17-28.
Exercise Tauwharenīkau, an annual reserve force collective training activity, will involve troop, vehicle and aircraft movements over the 10-day period, including C-130J Hercules aircraft transporting troops in and out of Invercargill and NH90 helicopters flying around the area.
Commanding Officer 2nd/4th Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment Lieutenant-colonel Gareth Seeds said soldiers might be seen carrying military equipment and blank-firing weapons, but it was part of a controlled exercise by the military.
‘‘Members of the public should not be alarmed if they hear simulated gunfire or explosions. Training areas will be signposted.
‘‘All training involving blank ammunition, pyrotechnics and simulated battlefield effects is carefully planned and conducted under strict New Zealand Defence Force safety procedures.
‘‘The pyrotechnics are used to create realistic battlefield conditions that allow soldiers to practise operating safely and effectively under combat-like conditions. No live ammunition will be used during the training.’’
He said the NZDF had worked with local authorities and landowners to ensure the exercises were conducted safely with ‘‘minimal impact on the community’’.
Some temporary increases in traffic around the regions could be expected.
Lt-col Seeds said the training provided invaluable experience for reserve forces.
‘‘Exercises such as Tauwharenīkau ensure Reserve Force personnel remain ready to support New Zealand during emergencies, humanitarian assistance, disaster response and defence operations both at home and overseas.’’
