Source: New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF)
Papua New Guinea (PNG) holds a special place in the heart of New Zealand Army Colonel Duncan George, who recently oversaw a successful Papua New Guinea Defence Force celebration of the country’s 50th anniversary of independence.
He was born in Christchurch and attended Riccarton High School, but for three formative years from the age of eight, Colonel George lived in PNG, learning the language and experiencing the nation’s rich culture.
His father, Squadron Leader (Rtd) Chris George was posted as one of the New Zealand Defence Force instructors to the local Defence Academy and the family lived in Igam Barracks in Lae.
In February this year, Colonel George was appointed the Joint Task Force Commander to plan and support the week-long anniversary celebrations.
This included a military tattoo attended by military bands from Australia, Fiji, France, India, Japan, New Zealand, Tonga, United Kingdom, United States and Vanuatu. There was also a fleet review of Navy vessels, an air show over Ela Beach and a static display of visiting and PNG aircraft.
The week also provided opportunities for visiting aircraft from Australia, France and New Zealand to deliver supplies such as medical equipment, books and mosquito netting, to remote areas around the country.
“I’m relieved that it went well, but also very proud of PNG, the PNG Defence Force and of course, the New Zealand and Australian Defence Forces that helped out,” Colonel George said.
“There were a whole bunch of countries that came over to help celebrate, which was fantastic and it was great the majority of them were from around the Pacific region.”
Colonel George has been embedded in the PNG Defence Force since December 2023 as the Deputy Chief of Staff, so has a unique insight into why this celebration was so significant for the country.
“PNG is the most populous nation in Oceania. From a strategic geographic point of view, it straddles Southeast Asia and the Pacific. It’s a leading nation within the Pacific Islands Forum in terms of its size, geography and natural resources.”
It was important to reflect on the positive aspects of the country, because all too often governance, the economy and law and order were the focal point from international observers, he said.
“PNG is a proud nation with uninterrupted parliamentary democracy, a growing middle class, and it’s a nation that has a big voice in the Pacific.”
Colonel George’s family ties to the area remain to this day. His father was known for his professional skills but also his ability to train, mentor and encourage young Papua New Guinean aviators. Last month Squadron Leader George was presented with a commendation by PNG Defence Force Deputy Chief Brigadier-General Lari Opa.
It was a proud moment for Colonel George, who reflected on their life there more than 30 years ago.
“The great memories I have of being in PNG during the 80s were so strong that I always wanted to come back, I just wasn’t sure when or how. Having three kids (two teenagers) meant that I was a little hesitant to do it so late in my career, but my wife told me that it was now or never, so we took the plunge.”
Colonel George is the sixth Deputy Chief of Staff to come from the NZDF since the appointment was created in 2009.
“PNG and the PNG Defence Force can be challenging places to live and work, but the people are the key to being here. They have different ways of doing things, but I’m lucky in the sense that I grew up here for a while, I’ve retained much of my Tok Pisin (Pidgin) and I feel comfortable and accepted here as one of the Defence Force’s own.
“My wife has taken to scuba diving and my children are having a great experience at their respective schools.”
Colonel George will finish his posting in December and said he sees PNG as becoming increasingly important for New Zealand in the coming years.
“I encourage anyone who is passionate about the Pacific and our place in it to consider a posting here. You need an adventurous spirit, but serving here will be a highlight in anyone’s career.”
