1st LD Writethru: New Zealand deploying troops to fight ISIL in Iraq: PM

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key confirmed on Tuesday that more than 100 New Zealand troops will be sent to Iraq to help in the fight against Islamic State insurgents.

The government had decided to deploy a military training mission to Iraq as part of New Zealand's overall contribution to the international coalition against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), Key said in a statement.

New Zealand's military personnel would fulfill a non-combat, " behind-the-wire" mission to train Iraqi Security Forces so they were better prepared to fight ISIL.

"ISIL's ability to motivate Islamist radicals makes it a threat not only to stability in the Middle East, but regionally and locally too," Key said.

"New Zealanders are prolific travelers and we are not immune from the threat ISIL poses."

ISIL's brutality had worsened and its outrageous actions had united an international coalition of around 62 countries to fight and degrade the group, he said.

"We have carefully considered options to expand our contribution to the coalition beyond the humanitarian assistance we have already provided," said Key.

"We have an obligation to support stability and the rule of law internationally."

New Zealand military personnel would be deployed to Taji Military Complex, north of Baghdad, to train units within the Iraqi Security Forces, in what was likely to be a joint mission with Australia.

The two-year mission, likely to start from May, would be reviewed by the cabinet after nine months.

"The number of personnel deploying to Taji is up to 106 and there will be others such as staff officers deploying in coalition headquarters and support facilities in the region. The total number altogether will be up to 143," said Key.

"A training mission like this is not without danger and this is not a decision we have taken lightly. I have required assurances that our men and women will be as safe as they can practicably be in Taji," he said.

New Zealand army soldiers would provide force protection.

"The New Zealand government will retain ultimate decision- making authority over the nature and scope of the activities of our personnel," said Key.

"We will be taking steps in coming weeks with our Iraqi counterparts to secure the best legal protections we realistically can for our personnel," he said.

"We recognize that military training on its own will not solve the problems ISIL poses in Iraq. That's why we are also stepping up our diplomatic efforts and are currently examining options to provide more humanitarian aid," said Key.

"In return we expect to see genuine effort in Iraq to move towards a law-abiding democratic country that treats all of its citizens with respect." Endi