Abbott arrives for Anzac events and talks on Iraq mission

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott. Photo / Getty Images

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott arrived in New Zealand last night for Anzac centenary events and talks on the military mission to Iraq.

It is his second official visit to this country following bilateral talks in February.

The main purpose of his one-day trip is to take part in World War I centenary commemorations, but he will also meet with Prime Minister John Key to discuss terror threats and the two countries' joint military commitment in the Middle East.

Mr Key's office said talks at a working breakfast this morning were likely to touch on the threat of Islamic State and the joint military training mission, the upcoming Gallipoli commemorations in Turkey, the Cricket World Cup and the "single economic market agenda" - the long-term goal to streamline trade between the two countries.

Australia sent its first troops to Iraq on Wednesday, and they will soon be joined by 143 New Zealand soldiers at Camp Taji, north of Baghdad, probably for two years.

Defence Force chief Tim Keating said yesterday that a deployment date for New Zealand troops had been set, but he would not disclose it. He told TVNZ's Q+A programme: "I think most people would understand the sensitivities around getting forces into a country like Iraq, and is that a matter for the public? I don't think so."

Labour has criticised the National-led Government for being too secretive about the military mission.

Labour leader Andrew Little said yesterday that Mr Abbott had been much more forthcoming than Mr Key about his country's military commitment. The Government did not need to provide "chapter and verse about dates and flight times", but it was reasonable to provide at least some detail about the mission's progress.

Mr Key, Mr Abbott and Australian Veteran Affairs Minister Michael Ronaldson will attend an Anzac service at the new Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington.