What is the Provincial Reconstruction Team?

The New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team's Bamiyan unit is tasked with maintaining security in the province by conducting regular presence patrols throughout the area.

It is made up of members of the NZ Defence Force, police, US Armed Forces, a representative from NZAID, as well as representatives from the US State and Agriculture Departments and USAID.

It is made up of four liaison teams supported by infantry, engineers, staff officers, communications and logistics staff.

The PRT supports the provincial and local government by providing advice and assistance to the Provincial Governor, the Afghan National Police and district sub-governors.

The team also works on NZ aid projects within the region through management and preparation of reconstruction and community projects. Such projects are usually contracted to Afghan companies who hire local workers.

When needed, the PRT will assist with distributing emergency humanitarian assistance, particularly in winter.

The first PRT deployment to Afghanistan departed in August 2003 on a four month rotation.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully announced in May that the PRT would leave the area late next year, one year earlier than the planned September 2014 return.

Previous deployments have been security presences during the 2004 presidential elections, as well as the parliamentary and provincial elections in 2005, 2006 and 2009.

The PRT is based at Kiwi Base just outside of the Bamiyan township.

- © Fairfax NZ News