In a warehouse packed with dignitaries and military officers, mourners today heard how NZ had lost a fine young leader, 28-year-old Lieutenant Tim O'Donnell.

The death of Lieutenant Tim O'Donnell in Afghanistan was a tragedy on a number of levels, the Governor-General told the slain soldier's military funeral today.

A Kiwi soldier has published a book about his experience serving in Afghanistan.

Soldier's body will be returned to his family today.

A hearse carrying the casket of Lieutenant Tim O'Donnell has left Whenuapai Air Base, while two other injured soldiers have been transported to hospital.

The body of a New Zealand soldier killed in Afghanistan is due back in New Zealand today, accompanied by two of his injured comrades.

The body of slain NZ soldier Lieutenant Timothy O'Donnell and his two wounded colleagues may be home as early as Saturday evening.

The body of Lieutenant Tim O'Donnell and his two injured colleagues have been moved to Bagram airbase and will be evacuated to NZ.

The attack in which Lieutenant Timothy O'Donnell died yesterday was in a particularly troubled part of Afghanistan, where the mountainous terrain lends itself to ambushes by Taleban insurgents and criminals.

Tim O'Donnell grew up dreaming of being a soldier. He first revealed his military aspirations aged 4, in his grandmother's arms. She encouraged him by giving him an Army helmet.

The identities of two soldiers injured in an Afghanistan insurgent attack overnight have been revealed.

Labour leader Phil Goff knows the pain of the grieving O'Donnell family - his nephew was killed in Afghanistan three years ago.

The New Zealand soldier killed in Afghanistan overnight was a decorated officer who had been in the army for five years.