Iraq mission: Flavell says NZers raising heads above parapet

Te Ururoa Flavell

Maori Party co-leader and Waiariki MP Te Ururoa Flavell says sending personnel to train troops in Iraq is effectively the same as sending troops to participate, and would be regarded as an act of aggression by ISIS.

But Mr Flavell said his party understands the desire to assist in the fight in Iraq.

New Zealand will send a non-combat training mission with Australia to Taji Camp, north of Baghdad in Iraq - although it will not be a badged mission, Prime Minister John Key said today.

It would be reviewed after nine months and last no more two years. The total would be up to 143 New Zealand personnel.

Mr Flavell said there was a large scale humanitarian crisis in the Middle East, and New Zealand had much to contribute - but not by sending our own troops.

"We are raising our heads effectively above the parapet."

Mr Flavell said today's decision should be put in the context of past conflicts including WWI.

Maori had always been prominent in military and peacekeeping missions.

"There are stories of immense valour - there are stories of immense loss."

People had asked him why New Zealand was joining the Iraq campaign, while ignoring the situation in West Papua, a province in Indonesia where many are seeking self-determination, Mr Flavell said.

"Despite our views - we do wish our forces well - they will make us proud. We pray that they will be looked after and return home safe."