Wellington: It’s has been considering a NATO request for more troops since May and Defence Minister Mark Mitchell on Friday confirmed the additional non-combat officers would join the 10 currently stationed in Afghanistan.
New Zealand pulled its combat forces out of the war-torn country in 2013, but has had a contingent there helping train local soldiers in Kabul since.
“A deteriorating security situation has prompted the international community to refocus its efforts,” Mr Mitchell said.
“Countries around the globe are making decisions to increase contributions to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for terrorist organisations.
“New Zealand will continue to stand alongside our partners in supporting stability in Afghanistan and countering the threat of international terrorism.”
Two of the extra personnel will go to positions within Mission Headquarters in Kabul, and the other will deploy to the academy as a physical training instructor.
The troops will be there until at least June 30 next year.
Prime Minister Bill English said the government hadn’t been asked for combat troops and there were no indications it would be.
“These are intelligence and support staff and training staff,” he told reporters on the campaign trail in Queenstown.
“The role we already have there is quite tightly specified by the New Zealand government and they stick within those parameters.
“There has been no pressure to change them.”
