The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) will continue to reduce numbers in East Timor over the next few years as the situation there improves.
The number of NZDF personnel who left Christchurch for East Timor this morning was 75 - just over half the number of previous rotations. Previous contingents were as large as 140.
Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, Air Vice-Marshal Peter Stockwell, says East Timor has taken great strides towards stability and increased security.
He says the Defence Force will focus more on strengthening the Timorese security forces so that they can eventually take charge of law and order.
New Zealand infantry have been stationed in East Timor since May 2006.
