 In order to cope with this crisis the NZ Government saw no option other than to disband one the country's two infantry divisions.The decision to disband the 3rd NZ Division was made after consulting with the British and United States governments, who were of the view that 2nd NZ Division's contribution to the campaign in Italy was of greater importance than 3rd NZ Division's contribution in the Pacific.The 3rd NZ Division was withdrawn to New Caledonia in June 1944 and returned to New Zealand in August.