The Labour and ACT parties have joined the Government in sending condolences to the family of the SAS soldier killed in Afghanistan.
The soldier was shot in the chest during a Taliban attack on a British cultural office in Kabul on Friday and died on the way to hospital.
Prime Minister John Key has released a statement, saying the New Zealand Government is saddened by the soldier's death.
Labour Party leader Phil Goff says he knows from his personal dealings with the SAS that this loss will be felt by all Defence Force personnel.
ACT leader Don Brash says the event is tragic both for the soldier's family and for the nation. Dr Brash says the party fully supports New Zealand's involvement in Afghanistan.
Defence Chief Lieutenant General Rhys Jones has said the soldier killed is the first member of the SAS to die while in action in Afghanistan. His next-of-kin have been informed.
