More than 100 New Zealand soldiers will be heading to Afghanistan on Monday, said a military official Friday.

The contingent will relieve the personnel who have been serving with the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team in the Bamyan Province for the last six months.

They will be heading to an icy winter where temperatures can reach as low as minus-20 degrees. Group Captain Kevin Short said the biggest challenge will be achieving their objectives while enduring such a harsh winter.

Fourteen fewer personnel are being used on the winter rotation because the icy conditions and deep snow make it too difficult to patrol a number of mountain ranges and passes.

The deployment is the ninth rotation to serve in Afghanistan. The Reconstruction Team's job is to ensure security in Bamyan province, through regular patrols, and liaising with local government to help distribute aid and improve infrastructure.

Source: Xinhua