Three New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) flights are visiting Rarotonga this week as part of pre-planned visits.

According to Catherine Graham, the New Zealand High Commissioner to the Cook Islands, a C-130J flight is due to arrive in Rarotonga this evening, February 12, carrying a special delivery for Rarotonga.

Graham said C-130J is one of the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s new Hercules aircraft. 

“The aircraft is in the region for a rotation of NZDF personnel out of Samoa, but it is making a stop in Rarotonga for a very special delivery,” Graham told Cook Islands News last night.

“On board will be an L5 Howitzer Light Gun the Cook Islands RSA (Returned Services Association) requested from the New Zealand Defence Force.

“Handing over this special consignment, will be a detachment of an officer and five soldiers from NZ Army’s 16th Field Regiment (16 Fd Regt).”

Graham said the gun holds immense historical and cultural significance to the NZDF, including members of the Cook Islands veteran community as it was one of six guns used by 16 Fd Regt in support of the Australians during the battle of Long Tan, Vietnam War. 

“CIRSA committee member Maj (Rtd) Denis Dwayne spotted it when he was visiting the Papakura RSA some years ago. Following the closure of the Papakura RSA, he campaigned for the gun’s refurbishment and relocation to Rarotonga,” the High Commissioner said.

“To see the refurbished piece placed in its new home has been the ambition of several committed veterans and serving personnel over the last three years, led by Maj (Rtd) Dwayne who has stated his efforts have been about remembering all Cook Island veterans, from those that served alongside British Artillery units in Palestine during WW1, to those he served alongside with memories of Vietnam and Malaya/Borneo.”

A Boeing 757 began routine training flights in the region on Sunday and continued until yesterday (February 11).

Graham said this was a routine training to familiarise aircrew with the region.