Source: New Zealand Defence Force30 July 2026Eight New Zealand Army instructors have deployed to Timor-Leste where they will help build foundational soldier skills in an all-female Timor-Leste Defence Force (F-FDTL) platoon group. The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) was invited by the F-FDTL to contribute eight personnel to help deliver training at Baucau Military Base. The training course has been developed with Australia’s in-country Defence Cooperation Program (DCP) and will be delivered by instructors from the F-FDTL, Australia’s DCP and the NZDF. Senior contingent representative, Sergeant Tinelle Walker, says they are looking forward to sharing their knowledge and experience. “The deployment provides an opportunity to work alongside partner nations, share knowledge, and further strengthen the relationship between New Zealand, Australia and Timor-Leste,” she said.