There’s been widespread sceptism and outrage in response to the Government’s announcement that New Zealand troops will be sent to Iraq, writes Bryce Edwards.

In November Prime Minister Key referred to ISIL as a ‘game changer’ for New Zealand. I wasn’t convinced, especially as the government was focusing on the domestic aspect in seeking to justify increased surveillance powers.

The decision to commit NZ military contingent to Iraq is a case of misguided foreign policy.

A senior US security official will visit New Zealand next month as part of a tour of the Asia-Pacific.

Passions over the announced deployment of a New Zealand training mission to Iraq spilled over in Parliament again yesterday.

The quality of New Zealand's training contribution to the Iraqi armed forces would be a welcome addition to the fight against Isis (Islamic State), Iraq's ambassador to New Zealand, Mouayed Saleh, said last night.

No sooner was the announcement made that New Zealand was heading to Iraq, the war of words broke out.

A marine has been found guilty of murdering famed US Navy SEAL Chris Kyle at a gun range two years ago.

Herald political writer John Armstrong says the PM's decision to bypass the media when announcing his decision shows he is failing.

John Key today announced that he was sending 143 NZ military personnel to Iraq to help train Iraqi forces fighting Islamic jihadists. Here is his full statement to Parliament:

New Zealand intelligence agencies could play a role in protecting trainers sent to Iraq but are unlikely to provide information to assist with drone strikes, Prime Minister John Key says.

In the latest propaganda video from Islamic State, hostages are paraded in cages through the packed streets of Iraq and interviewed by their captors.

New Zealand troops sent to Iraq to help in the fight against Isis will not be 'on the front line', Prime Minister John Key says.

Prime Minister John Key has all but confirmed that up to 100 New Zealand Defence Force staff will be sent to the Middle East to help Australia train Iraqi soldiers to fight Isis .

Cabinet is expected to approve sending soldiers to help Iraqi forces fight the Islamic State group when it meets tomorrow.

NZ troops are preparing to return to Iraq, a decade after Kiwi soldiers were last in the violence-wracked nation. On Monday the cabinet is expected to set the ground rules for the deployment.

Militants from Isis have burned 45 people to death in the western Iraqi town of al-Baghdadi, according to the local police chief.

Last June the US tried a bold rescue mission to gather hostages taken by Isis. It failed. All the hostages have since died. Was the White House to blame?

The Iraqi Government has asked for New Zealand's help to fight the Islamic State by describing the battle as World War III.

Iraq has issued a general invitation to the international community for support, the country's foreign minister says.

They're being lured with promises of reclaiming a lost Islamic empire. But foreign fighters for Isis often in up on the front lines, or as suicide bombers.

The announcement that 150 NZ Defence Force personnel will begin pre-deployment training for Iraq at Linton and Waiouru military camps has been condemned.

New Zealand troops have been given the go-ahead to begin training for a likely deployment to Iraq.

The Jordanian air force pilot burned to death by Isis extremists was reportedly heavily sedated and unaware what would happen.

Isis militants are reported to have publicly beheaded a man after finding him guilty of practicing “sorcery”.

He witnessed a suicide. He saw gangs at the Ritz Carlton. Or did he? NBC newsman Brian Williams' Katrina reporting is broken down and analysed.

After spending eight months as a captive of terrorists in Iraq, one of NZ's newest citizens says being able to call himself a Kiwi feels like a "dream".