Two unexploded World War II bombs in Bougainville have been safely destroyed by the New Zealand Defence Force after a request from the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists were deployed to handle a 1,000lb bomb found at Aropa Airfield and a 500lb device discovered at Kieta Primary School. Due to the high risk, both bombs were destroyed on site after assessments confirmed they were too dangerous to move.
Safety measures, including sandbagging and large exclusion zones, were put in place before the operation.
The six-member EOD team, along with equipment and aid supplies, was transported by a Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J Hercules and later moved to Aropa via an NH90 helicopter from No. 3 Squadron. The aircraft and crew were already in Papua New Guinea supporting relief efforts in areas impacted by Tropical Cyclone Maila.
Special Operations Component Commander Grant Scobie said the team’s expertise ensured the operation was carried out safely.
“Disposal of explosive remnants of war is something we do regularly, including recent operations across Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Nauru,” he said, acknowledging the cooperation of local communities and Bougainville authorities.
As part of their visit, the EOD team will also conduct community awareness sessions on how to safely identify and report unexploded ordnance.
The operation forms part of a broader two-week mission in Papua New Guinea, where the NZDF has been working alongside the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, Australian Defence Force, International Organization for Migration and Mission Aviation Fellowship under the coordination of the National Disaster Centre to deliver aid following Cyclone Maila.
Two NH90 helicopters arrived aboard HMNZS Canterbury in Port Moresby on April 15 for joint training with the PNGDF but were redirected to support humanitarian operations after a request from the PNG Government. Additional aid supplies were later delivered by a C-130J aircraft from New Zealand, with training activities set to resume.
The deployment also reflects New Zealand’s long-standing support for Bougainville’s peace and development over the past 25 years, including policing assistance through capacity-building programmes.
NZDF Air Component Commander Andy Scott said No. 3 Squadron shares a deep historical connection with Bougainville, dating back to peace efforts in the 1990s.
“We value our long-standing friendship with Bougainville and are pleased to return to provide support and strengthen that relationship,” he said.
