24 Feb 2009

New Zealand extends Afghan deployment

8:52 pm on 24 February 2009

New Zealand has extended its military commitment in Afghanistan for another year.

In 2007, the previous government decided to continue the deployment of the Provincial Reconstruction Team until September this year.

Prime Minister John Key says the commitment will continue until September 2010, at an estimated cost of $41 million.

Mr Key says the situation in Afghanistan requires a continuing international programme of security and development assistance to Afganistan's government.

The team consists of 140 Defence Force personnel.