Defence benefits seen in picture of SAS on duty

A top soldier previously in charge of the SAS said the decision of the Herald to publish photos of soldiers on duty in Afghanistan was good for the image of the Defence Force, and it was good for soldiers to be seen "doing the business".

Emails between Lieutenant-Colonel Jim Blackwell, the former SAS commander who persuaded Willie Apiata to accept the Victoria Cross, and a senior PR adviser for the Defence Force were released under the Official Information Act.

Mr Blackwell told Bas Bolyn that public opinion would win the day over the photographs of Corporal Apiata and a second, unidentified, SAS soldier in Kabul.

"I am sure they will do an opinion poll - I would be interested to see the results of that," said Mr Blackwell.

"As disappointing as it is in some ways, it is good for defence to be seen out there doing the business."

Mr Bolyn replied: "Story is turning to what we are going to do about the Herald and future instances of this kind and the Herald has forced themselves into a fairly entrenched position. Good on them for forcing the debate I reckon."

He went on to say that an opinion piece from a New York Times journalist - poking fun at the New Zealand public's reaction - was "humorous".

"I'm sure a lot of the 'peacekeeper' opinion of the NZ public will be getting changed at the moment and there may be a little less naivety out there now," said Mr Bolyn.

The photograph of the two unidentified SAS soldiers in Kabul was published on January 21.

Emails show Defence Force media staff quickly decided that "no comment" would be made to the inevitable questions about the images - "In the immortal words of Porky Pig ... 'That's all folks!"'

One replied: "Yep saw that this morning. Nice photo!"

By mid-morning, media staff began working on scripted answers as to why Defence Force were disappointed the photos were published, particularly online.

Senior PR man Pete Coleman pointed out that insurgents in Afghanistan were technologically savvy and may find an advantage in viewing the "configuration of weapons, communications and body armour".

He also said that showing the faces of SAS members made them an easier target and increased the risk of capture.

At this point, Prime Minister John Key had yet to confirm the identity of VC hero Apiata.

Mr Bolyn said the naming of Apiata was "unique".

"Given he is already deemed a public figure, I would perceive no issues in the media naming him given everyone would see the photo and ask the question at any rate," he said.

"NZDF's position is that we aren't so concerned about Willie being shown - there was always the possibility of this."

Television news showed the photograph but blurred the face of the second SAS soldier.

The following day, Defence Force media staff were told: "Hi all - it would be great if we can deprive this story of some oxygen today and let it fade away."

They also referred to an online nzherald.co.nz poll of 4463 readers in which 85 per cent disagreed with the decision to publish the SAS photo.

The following week Mr Key announced the blanket secrecy over SAS operations was to be removed. He said the change had been under discussion for some time.