The grandfather of a Kiwi soldier killed in Afghanistan has welcomed the arrest of a senior Taliban member connected to the attack.

The SAS is being re-deployed to Afghanistan to send a message to the killers of five NZ soldiers and lead patrols against the Taleban, a defence analyst has suggested.

Prime Minister John Key today confirmed four SAS logistics officers were sent to Afghanistan to gather intelligence on the insurgents who killed five New Zealand troops.

With our troops pulling out of Afghanistan next year, one big question remains on whether the mission was worth it. Richard Jackson and Alexander Gillespie debate the issue.

The Taleban says NZ troops are easier targets than other Coalition forces.

Three New Zealand soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan. They have been named as Lance Corporal Jacinda Baker (26), Private Richard Harris (21) and Corporal Luke Tamatea (31).