Wellington – Minister of Defence Peeni Henare says New Zealand’s contribution in Afghanistan has been a “positive one”, despite the deaths of 10 Kiwis serving in the nation over the years.
His comments come as Cabinet on Monday met to consider how they can support 53 New Zealanders currently in Afghanistan, as Taliban militants took control of the capital, Kabul.
“The situation deteriorated faster than all of the intelligence was suggesting and there are questions about as we as we reflect upon our contribution to the province and to Afghanistan over many years,” Henare told reporters.
“I want to be quite clear, approximately 3500 of our personnel have been sent there and have served there.
“We have lost 10 personnel during that time and we mourn that loss, and if we reflect back on it I am confident and I believe that our contribution is a positive one.
“I know there are comments and speculation about other areas there, but I think I take the words from the then-prime minister (Helen Clark) who commented today that ultimately when we reflect on it it will have been considered a positive contribution.”
Clark sent New Zealand troops to Afghanistan in 2001 during her term as leader.