The New Zealand Defence Force is already planning its next repatriation mission to Malaysia and Singapore, following the arrival of the remains of three fallen personnel yesterday evening.
The Defence Force is planning to repatriate 29 service personnel and one child from Malaysia, and one personnel from Singapore. The arrival back on home soil is being planned for August.
The work is being carried out due to a change in repatriation policy from the previous government to offer families repatriation of a family member at public expense, if the person died after January 1955. The current Government extended the offer to families of those buried in American Samoa, Fiji, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Korea.
Minister for Veterans Ron Mark said inequity and heartbreak was created from a past government decision, where from 1955 until 1971 families had to pay to return the remains of their relative to New Zealand. Many bodies remained abroad as only some people could afford it.
He said the project and the Government's extension of the offer of repatriation to several other countries was the right thing to do and should have been done a long time ago.
Repatriation has been a government cost for fallen service personnel from 1971.
The project is expected to cost $7 million. Families are being given $1000 to help with reinternment costs.
Royal New Zealand Air Force Group Captain Carl Nixon said the return of three personnel to Ohakea Air Force Base yesterday marked a big milestone in the mission to bring home 37 Kiwis by mid-October.
"This is a significant moment in New Zealand’s military history, as we honour the lives of three NZDF personnel who died serving their country in foreign lands and more importantly bring them home to their families, who have waited more than 60 years to be re-united,” he said.
"This is a time when the inequalities and inconsistencies of the past are put right and everyone is treated the same, regardless of wealth, rank or cause of death."
The remains of RNZAF Flight Lieutenant George Beban, Leading Aircraftman Ralph Scott and Royal New Zealand Navy Engineering Mechanic 1st Class Russell Moore arrived in New Zealand in a Hercules aircraft yesterday. George Beban died of natural causes 62 years ago while serving in Fiji. Ralph Scott died of natural causes 58 years ago while serving in Fiji. Russell Moore died in an accident on board survey vessel HMNZS Lachlan in American Samoa 62 years ago.
Yesterday was an emotional reunion for family members who never believed they'd ever be offered the opportunity to bring their loved one home.
Russ Beban, just five years old when his father George died, said it was one of the best days of his life and "beyond his wildest dreams."
George Beban will be re-buried in his hometown of Waikanae following a service on Saturday.
Colleen Walker, who still remembers being nine years old on stage at her primary school assembly when she found out her brother Russell had died, said having him home brings closure.
"It feels amazing... I wish mum and dad were here," she said.
She had visited his grave several times in American Samoa but always felt sadness when it came to departing on the plane and leaving him there, she said.
Mrs Walker said she was surprised so many people in the Timaru area where Russell will be buried with his mother and father remembered him. A homecoming memorial will be held for him today with many people expected to attend.
Te Auraki (The Return) project involves NZDF planning and constant contact with involved families as well as a disinterment team of bioarchaeologists, forensic anthropologists from Otago University, dentists and a leading doctor.
At the personnel's first burial site, a service is held by kaumātua and a chaplain. Once the remains are identified, they will never be left alone until they are handed back to their families.
SHARE ME