NZDF removes WWII-era explosives in Papua New Guinea

Members of the New Zealand Defence Force prepare pits to dispose of unexploded ordnance on Operation Render Safe in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea. Image: Australia Defence Force

SPECIALIST New Zealand troops have destroyed about 2200 explosive remnants leftover in Papua New Guinea from the Second World War.

Delivered under Australian Defence Force (ADF) leadership, Operation Render Safe saw personnel from Papua New Guinea, Australia, and New Zealand locate and dispose of about 7550kg of the explosives.

Troops from Canada, France, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States also took part in the operation.

Explosive remnants of war—or ERW—identified during previous missions in the Gazelle, Kokopo and Rabaul districts of East New Britain province were moved to pits and destroyed 

EOD teams provide regular domestic support to New Zealand Police, including the assessment and disposal of improvised explosive devices and unexploded ordnance.

Render Safe is a long-standing multinational initiative, running for more than 20 years, aimed at reducing the threat posed by ERW across the Pacific and strengthening regional security through cooperation.