New police contingent sets off for Afghanistan

The 15th contingent of New Zealand Police has just left for Afghanistan as members of the 14th group return home after a six month stint in Bamyan Provence. 

New Zealand has been sending police units to Afghanistan for the past 9 years as part of the post-conflict effort to rebuild the Afghan National Police. Their duties consist of mentoring and training local police in various areas of expertise.

This picture shows members of the Highland 14 contingent near a lakeside in Band-e-Amir, Afghanistan's one and only National Park, located near the centre of the very arid Bamyan region.  The park's lakes are filled by snow melt and permanently just above freezing, even during their 50+ degree summers.