9969 (2024). Hon Peeni Henare to the Minister of Defence
Written Question
Published date: 16 May 2024
9969 (2024). Hon Peeni Henare to the Minister of Defence: What correspondence including but not limited to texts, whatsapp messages, signal messages, letters, and emails, if any, has the Minister had with the Prime Minister regarding the New Zealand Defence Force personnel stranded in Antarctica who were due to return to New Zealand on 18 March, by date and title?
Hon Judith Collins: None, Personnel were not stranded – they were delayed. There are often extended periods when aircraft are unable to safely get to Antarctica, this was one of those cases. The personnel were accommodated at McMurdo Station throughout their extended stay in Antarctica and were transported out at the soonest safe interval.