Cabinet approves more New Zealand Defence Force personnel for Afghanistan

Three more non-combat New Zealand Defence Force personnel have been approved to join the 10 staff already there. Photo / File

The Cabinet has approved an additional three more non-combat New Zealand Defence Force personnel go to Afghanistan to join the 10 staff already there in a Nato-led mission.

The 10 already there are working as mentors and support personnel at the Afghan National Army Officer Academy in Kabul and they will be joined by one of the additional staff.

The other two will work in the Nato mission HQ in Kabul, Defence Minister Mark Mitchell said.

New Zealand has been in Afghanistan since 2001 as part of an international force in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States.

Nato has been asking all countries with a presence there to increase their contribution to address a deteriorating security situation.

Australia announced an additional 30 troops in May, taking their total to 300.

United States President Donald Trump this week announced approval for more troops, thought to be about 4000.

Mitchell said the boost was part of an effort to prevent Afghanistan becoming a safe haven for terrorists.

"New Zealand will continue to stand alongside our partners in supporting stability in Afghanistan and countering the threat of international terrorism."

New Zealand's contribution was mandated until June 30, 2018.