More troops to Afghanistan

File photo / Patrick Gower

Nine Defence Force staff will be deployed for eight months in Uruzgan province in Afghanistan, Defence Minister Wayne Mapp says.

They will start in September.

The nine will comprise seven staff officers and two medical staff. The staff officers will fill coordination and planning roles.

They will join the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) provincial headquarters at Tarin Khowt base.

Dr Mapp said similar deployments had been made in the past and this one would build on New Zealand's strong links with Australia.

Australia, under United States leadership, will take over the ISAF role on Uruzgan when Dutch forces withdraw in August.

The Government earlier rejected an Australian request for a joint Anzac force in the Uruzgan province because it would put more New Zealand soldiers at risk.

The Australians wanted 20 to 50 New Zealand troops to help out in a training, non-combat role. The Anzac force would have trained and mentored Afghan troops.

Prime Minister John Key said last month he had considered the option but rejected it.

He said then a small group of medical and support people may be deployed.

Dr Mapp said New Zealand was working with Nato and ISAF partners to build the capacity and security of the Afghan government and people.

"For a small nation we are making a substantial contribution."

- NZPA