25 Feb 2011

Last respects paid to soldier killed in Afghanistan

3:59 pm on 25 February 2011

A military farewell has been held in Hamilton for a New Zealand soldier killed last week in Afghanistan.

Private Kirifi Mila, 27, died when the vehicle he was in rolled down a steep bank on 15 February.

[image:1329:third:right]

A full military service, due to be held at the Burnham Army Camp near Christchurch, was cancelled because of Tuesday's powerful earthquake.

A private family funeral was held on Friday morning in Auckland before Private Mila's casket was brought to Hamilton.

An army bearer party caried the casket to the graveside where a military chaplain spoke, before the ode was read by the Returned and Services' Association and an army firing party fired a volley of shots.

The short service ended with the Last Post being played.

Two other soldiers injured in the crash are due back in New Zealand on Friday.