The last of seven new Navy ships will arrive in Auckland tomorrow, at least two years late, and following a troubled maiden voyage from the ship builder's yard in Australia.

The deaths of two Australian soldiers in a bomb blast has reopened debate on the nation's involvement in the war in Afghanistan.

The critically wounded SAS soldier whom Willie Apiata carried to safety under heavy gunfire was the personal bodyguard for John Key on his recent trip to Afghanistan.

"Bugger," a senior official exclaimed. "Well at least the Aussies will be paying for the repair."

The 1000th American serviceman to die in Afghanistan was killed by a landmine this week.

A New Zealand trade mission is in Guam this week, seeking opportunities for future growth.

A former New Zealand artillery officer has been given a bravery award by the Australian Government.

In an attempt to take the pressure off bomb disposal officers in Afghanistan, combat engineers will now be tasked with blowing up many improvised devices rather than having to dismantle all of them.