'Back to Timor' (2025 Documentary)

It has been 25 years since the NZDF and NZ Police began serving in East Timor. This year, a group of Kiwi East Timor veterans returned to Timor-Leste to film a documentary about their journey and to revisit the country that many of them had not been back to. 

NZ Army veteran Aaron Horrell had the ‘Back to Timor’ idea. He served in Timor-Leste with Batt 2 and 6, and his goal is to show the sacrifice, service and achievements of the men and women of the NZDF, NZ Police, and the Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) who brought peace to a war-torn country. 

“We took 15 veterans back to where they served. We visited locations special to Army, Navy, Airforce, and Police, and in particular to the sites that commemorate the members of the NZDF who died” says Aaron.

The documentary crew includes Mike McRoberts, director of photography LTCDR Leander Scott-Donelan RNZN, and producer Jeff Hampton. 

Behind-the-scenes filming for Back to Timor

Amongst the visiting contingent was Major General (retired) Martyn Dunne, who was honoured to be included. 

“It is important to acknowledge the veterans of today as well as continuing to honour those who have gone before us. Aaron’s documentary will help the public understand the dedicated service of more than 5,000 Kiwis who achieved freedom for the Timor-Leste” says Martyn. 

Of special significance was a memorial service held for Private Leonard Manning at the site of his death in 24 July 2000. 

“Being able to be there with a member of Len’s Section and Bravo Company members, at the exact time and day he died 24 years ago, was hugely special and emotional for the entire group.”

Not everything about the trip was sombre, though. Aaron was pleased to see that the locals hadn’t forgotten them. 

“The Timorese in Cova Lima fondly remember the NZ military, and wherever we went, their smiles and hand waves were just the same as they were 25 years ago. You could see the thankfulness in their smile” says Aaron. 

The veterans were welcomed by President Jose Ramos Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao. Both expressed sincere appreciation for New Zealand’s contribution to their journey for a free and peaceful Timor-Leste. 

The documentary crew did most of their filming in the Cova Lima area, which was the area of operations for most of the Kiwis when in Timor-Leste. Post-production for Back to Timor is now underway and should be complete in time for public viewing by Anzac Day 2025. 

Photo: Tony Spice. Internationally Displaced People entering East Timor from the Indonesian side of the border.

Photo: Tony Spice. Victor Company 1 RNZIR in Darwin prior to deploying into East Timor, September 1999. The first main group of regular NZDF that deployed into to East Timor.