NZ trainers in Afghanistan have mission extended

Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee. File photo / NZ Herald

The remaining New Zealand trainers in Afghanistan will have their mission extended until the end of next year, Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee says.

The main New Zealand Defence Force contingent, including the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Bamiyan, was withdrawn from Afghanistan in April 2013 as part of the wider withdrawal of international forces.

A small team stayed on in a training role at the British-led Afghan National Army Officer Academy in Afghanistan. That was intended to be reviewed annually and the Government has now decided to keep the trainers' work going until the end of 2016.

Mr Brownlee said that included five mentors and three support staff whose role was training Afghanistan's army.

"Positive results have been achieved in the development of junior Afghan officers, and it is appropriate that New Zealand's contribution to this important activity be maintained for a stable and secure Afghanistan."

The extension of the tenure would also include ongoing funding and development assistance.

The academy just outside of Kabul is part of Nato's non-combat Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan, established to train Afghan security forces out to the end of 2016.

Mr Brownlee said international efforts in Afghanistan had "evolved" and the focus was now on supporting the Afghan state and its security forces as they move towards self-reliance.

"Over this time New Zealand has remained determined to play its part alongside its international partners."