The six-month Gyro 10 deployment, which began in November as part of an international stabilisation force, aims to support and assist development of the island nation.
Although he has previously been deployed to the Solomon Islands, this is his first time in Timor-Leste (formerly known as East Timor).
Fr Harrison said those who had visited there before had noticed much change for the better taking place and they were there to support that.
"Our soldiers love to be involved in community-type projects and to meet the locals, often times engaging in a game of soccer with them," he said.
"That type of engagement is very satisfying on both sides. The children may be initially shy, but once their confidence and trust is established they quickly gather round shouting, 'Mister, mister', to get attention."
His primary focus as chaplain is to care for the spiritual and pastoral welfare of the Defence Force and to assist chaplains in New Zealand and the deployment services' officers, he said.
"With access to modern communications, such as email, internet and Skype now available, people are able to talk to home regularly but still they love to get a letter or a parcel in their hands, even if it is running shoes left behind."
Driving in Dili is also an experience.
"Motor scooters prevail and move in and out of the traffic at great pace ... Most seem to use the rear vision mirror simply as a decoration," he said.
"The scooters can carry the whole family, with one, if not two, children on the petrol tank."
The schools are a far cry from what we have in New Zealand.
"The classrooms are concrete floors and walls and a blackboard, with desks and chairs for the children," he said.
While some schools and orphanages got significant funding, many were left wanting, and much was still to be done for Timor-Leste before it could stand on its feet, he said.
