The demolition of the WWII munition breaches the surface in the shallow bay

New Zealand’s navy officers are combing through parts of the Solomon Islands in a bid to rid the country of World War II explosive remnants.

Four explosive ordnance disposal technicians from the navy’s operational diving team are working in the Solomons as part of a 150-strong Australian-led naval task force.

The New Zealand technicians, who have been working directly on unexploded ordnance, have also been aided in their search for ordnance by local community members.

Detachment leader Chief Petty Officer Rangi Ehu said it was important New Zealand had a presence in the task force.

“We were there in World War II, but for us New Zealanders the war finished 68 years ago, whereas the Solomon Islanders, who were unwilling participants in the war, have been living with the leftover explosive ordnance ever since. This operation gives us a great opportunity to make a contribution to the safety of those local communities and all the members of our team have been looking forward to this deployment,” he said.

The four Kiwis are due to return home tomorrow.