The month-long exercise ‘Veiliutaki’ in Fiji is designed to test students in command, leadership and battle craft, says New Zealand Chief of Army, Major-General John Boswell.

Major-General Boswell observed a number of activities including witnessing the cadet officers from New Zealand who successfully completed exercise Veiliutaki at the Black Rock facility in Votualevu, Nadi on Wednesday.

Major-Gen Boswell also witnessed the number of activities the platoons undertook. “Our great partnership that goes back many years was one that’s welcomed, and it’s been of real benefit to our officer cadets, both personally and professionally,” he said.

“More importantly, though from a strategic perspective it’s great to be back alongside the RFMF to renew our partnership and look forward as military organisations to enhance our respective capabilities and to progress the peace and security within our region,” Major-Gen Boswell said.

RFMF Commander Land Force Colonel Onisivoro Covunisaga said the programme was focused on military leadership, command, and field training that seeks to enhance compatibility.

He said this was not the first time for Fiji to have NZ Commanders training in Fiji.

“We will share experiences whenever they come because regionally, we work together if there is any deployment,” he said.

There were 72 RFMF officers and 90 New Zealand counterparts who used the Nausori Highlands to conduct close-country training. Four international students from Tonga also combined into multinational platoons for the exercise.

The month-long exercise culminated with a sports day which signifies the strong partnership the two countries have.

The group was farewelled at the Delta Company in Nadi with an assortment of VIPs where the Kiwi’s sang waiata, and a haka was performed.

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj