The Commander of the New Zealand forces in Afghanistan says the incoming contingent will face harsh winter conditions in Bamyan Province.
Colonel Richard Hall, who heads the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team, says the 13th rotation of troops will have to clear snow-covered roads in temperatures as low as -25 degrees.
He says a drought this year has caused crops in the area to fail and defence personnel will be involved in aid projects aimed at easing the hardships faced by local people.
Colonel Hall says troops will also build flood protection to minimise the damage caused by melting snows.
The contingent being replaced will return home on 22 October.
