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Newstalk ZB (24 March 2017)
The Prime Minister says no discussions have been held on a possible extension of a New Zealand Defence Force training mission in Iraq.

Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee has just completed a secret visit to Kiwi forces currently stationed at Camp Taji, where they have been training the Iraqi army combatting the Islamic State in key cities like Mosul.

Brownlee wants to see New Zealand soldiers move into an intelligence role, and believes they could have a future mission in helping rebuild Iraq and fix the conditions that allowed the Islamic State to establish itself.

Asked if the mission may be further extended, Prime Minister Bill English said it hasn't been discussed.

"I'll be getting advice from the defence minister and the chief of defence," English said. "We're pleased with the role New Zealand troops are playing there - it does look like they're making progress and we're pleased we've been able to contribute."