Heartfelt gratitude was shared on both sides at the powhiri welcoming Afghani interpreters to Hamilton. The New Zealand Army awarded service medals to each of the men who had worked with the army, police and agencies in Afghanistan. The men, accompanied by their wives and children, expressed thanks to the New Zealanders who had helped restore security in Bamiyan province, and built schools and infrastructure. Their contribution will be long remembered in the region. They also acknowledged the huge effort to provide a warm welcome to their families as they begin to settle in Hamilton.
Source: Ethnic Communities