NZ SAS troops took part in an operation in Kabul that saw a terror cell busted and a quarter tonne of explosives seized, John Key told media during his secret visit to Afghanistan.

Wearing body armour and a helmet, Prime Minister John Key has spent the past three days in war-torn Afghanistan on a top-secret visit to NZ troops.

Humanitarian help has become a huge industry, buffering corrupt regimes and perpetuating war, claims the author of a new book.

Under the gaze of the Israeli army, one man is building an extraordinary hotel.

Dave Moriarty, an RNZAF pilot who won the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal for bravery over Normandy in 1944, passed away on Anzac Day.

Increases in terror attacks in Pakistan and Afghanistan triggered a spike in the number of civilians killed or wounded there last year.

Another Anzac Day remembered (this is the 95th anniversary) and another clutch of books with military themes have appeared...

Corporal Apiata, who had been serving with the SAS in Afghanistan, touched down at Auckland International Airport at 5.15am yesterday.

"It's a strange feeling walking along the beach and knowing Dad walked along it 95 years ago..."

Veterans in Gallipoli for the 95th Anniversary of the landings on Anzac Day had their first look at the battleground sites yesterday.