Defence Minister to decide on NZ military training in Iraq

The Defence Minister says Cabinet will have to be convinced the training mission to Iraq continues to be in New Zealand's interests, and is sustainable, as they prepare to make decisions about its future. The joint mission with Australia started in 2015 and has trained more than 30,000 members of the Iraqi security forces. It was extended by the previous National government in 2016 but that mandate will expire in November. The minister, Ron Mark, told our political editor, Jane Patterson, there have been "free and frank" conversations with coalition partners - inculding Iraq.