Key takes New Zealand to war in Iraq

LATEST: Analysis: John Key and the fight against Islamic terrorism 3.0

Prime Minister John Key has announced in Parliament the government’s decision to deploy troops in Iraq.

Prefacing his announcement with references to “taking our share of the burden when the international rules-based system is threatened” and doing “what is in the best interests of New Zealand”, Mr Key confirmed what has long been assumed: New Zealand troops will be sent to Iraq to help build “the capability and capacity” of Iraqi security forces.

As such it will be a non-combat training mission, one that’s likely to be done in conjunction with Australian forces, “although it will not be a badged ANZAC force.”

Up to 106 New Zealand military personnel will be deployed north of Baghdad to the Taji Military Complex. Including support staff, total personnel will be up to 143.

The deployment is likely to begin in May. It will last for a minimum of nine months and a maximum of two years.

Additional personnel and “Air Force assets” will “occasionally” be deployed to the region for support purposes.

The NZ government will “retain ultimate decision-making authority over the nature and scope of the activities of the NZ Defence personnel within the mission” and New Zealand personnel will have “appropriate legal protections,” although what these will be have yet to be determined.

Mr Key iterated he had “ruled out sending SAS or any troops into combat roles in Iraq” and said he’d been advised by the Chief of Defence Force that special forces are not part of this deployment.

However, Mr Key clarified special forces may be deployed “for short periods to provide advice on issues like force protection or to help with high-profile visits.”

The prime minister also claimed there is a growing internal risk from ISIL recruits in New Zealand.

Mr Key’s speech was followed by addresses from Labour’s Andrew Little and the Green’s Russel Norman, both of which were highly critical of the government’s decision to deploy troops without putting it to a parliamentary vote.

According to Defence Minister Brownlee, a two-year NZ deployment to Iraq will cost an estimated $65 million.

The full text of the prime minister's speech can be read here.