23-03-2012, 02:22 AM
A most unwelcomed event from all the Kiwis I have spoken to about this.
Quote:US soldiers back on Kiwi soil
Published: 6:27PM Thursday March 22, 2012 Source: ONE News
A small group of US soldiers is on New Zealand soil for possibly the first time since the ANZUS alliance collapsed in 1984.
Eight members of the American Marine Corps are currently training Kiwi troops at Linton Army Base near Palmerston North.
It is believed to be the first time US troops have been in New Zealand for nearly three decades.
The US banned military training with New Zealand in 1984 after the Government adopted a nuclear-free stance, blocking American warships from our waters.
That ban was lifted in 2009 and soon after NZ troops began training overseas with US forces.
ONE News political reporter Michael Parkin says the US soldiers are in New Zealand to teach local troops how to use weapons like Tasers, pepper spray and bean bag shotguns.
The presence of the troops is "a clear sign that this military relationship is strengthening," Parkin said.
The US Marine Corp runs an annual training course around the Pacific and this year it is in New Zealand. About 75 participants from 19 countries will attend a seminar for top officers next week in Wellington.
Defence Minister Jonathon Coleman said there has been "a definite shift in the relationship" and the seminar next week is "business as usual".
"We've been part of this seminar for the last decade. It's held in a different place around the world each year. It's New Zealand's turn to host it."
Marine Corp and US Air Force aeroplanes will also be taking part in an RNZAF exercise at the end of the month.
And a US marine contingent is due in New Zealand in June to mark the 70th anniversary of American troops coming to the country during World War II.
But our Government says nuclear ships are still banned.
"If you're asking if there's going to be a ship visit here, the answer is 'no'," Coleman said.
http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/us-soldi...il-4793220