Kiwi troops arrive home from Iraq

The first wave of Kiwi troops deployed to Iraq have made significant progress, according to one of their trainers.

The combat engineer, who cannot be named for security reasons, is one of 105 soldiers who returned home tonight from their seven month deployment to Camp Taji, north of Baghdad.

The troops flew into Ohakea airbase at around 5.30pm and were met by Defence minister Gerry Brownlee and commander joint forces New Zealand Major General Tim Gall.

They departed for Iraq in April alongside Australian forces as part of the Building Partner Capacity mission.

The trainer who cannot be identified for security reasons said troops spent their time teaching Iraqi forces medical training and weapons and counter IED skills.

"We've definitely made significant progress?it was well received by the Iraqi soldiers."

He said there were no safety threats and his team had been set up well to cope.

"We had a lot of contingency plans in place for any potential situation. We were prepared well by both the New Zealand Defence Force and the government."

The troops have trained over 2000 Iraqi army personnel and Mr Gall said the results had exceeded expectations.

"When you left no one knew what the conditions would be like?the Australian New Zealand contingent is well respected."

The troops flew into Ohakea airbase at around 5.30pm today. Photo / Supplied

Mr Brownlee thanked the soldiers for their contribution and said it was only fitting the government was there to greet the first contingent.

"The contribution you have made in a personal way is particularly important and highly valued."

He said public support for New Zealand's involvement had grown to 70 per cent and the troops could be proud.

"Thank you for all that you've done for us," he said.

Mr Gall said the second group deployed earlier this month had already "settled" in and were continuing the training.

After gathering their items, the troops were bused to Linton Military Camp to be reunited with family and friends.