Commanding changes

The leaders of New Zealand’s military commitment in East Timor have changed with Wing Commander Sam Leske RNZAF (left) taking over from Commander Tony Millar RNZN. Held at Kiwi Lines in Dili, the deployed New Zealand soldiers, sailors and air force personnel held a powhiri as a mark of respect for both the outgoing and incoming chiefs. Commander Millar, who served six months as both the Deputy Commander — ISF and as the Senior National Officer of the New Zealand forces assigned to ISF, said he will remember with pride the contribution New Zealand military men and women have made in improving the security and stability of East Timor. “I’m also proud to see East Timor moving forward,” Commander Millar said. Wing Commander Leske said he was honoured to become the latest New Zealand commander for the 70-strong force. “I look forward to continuing the work of developing a safe and stable East Timor leading up to the 2012 elections,” he said.