The Prime Minister's office confirms John Key will not attend a service this weekend for the two soldiers killed in Afghanistan.
Lance-corporals Pralli Durrer and Rory Malone, both 26, were killed in action on Saturday.
Their bodies are expected to arrive at Christchurch airport on Thursday night.
Mr Key has visited the families of both men to convey his condolences and inform them he will not be at Saturday's service for them, because he will be out of the country watching his son play baseball.
Deputy Prime Minister Bill English will attend the service in Mr Key's absence.
Details about the ceremony are still to be announced by the Defence Force.
