New Zealand has extended its military training missions in Iraq and Afghanistan to next year as the government considers its long-term involvement in the region.
Since 2015, New Zealand has deployed about 140 personnel alongside Australian troops to train Iraqi forces at camp Taji, north of Baghdad.
In a long-awaited decision, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Monday announced her country's part in the mission had been extended from November to June 2019.
However, the government would be looking at all its options again early next year.
"This is fulfilling our obligations. We already have a commitment to a current training program that extends to the middle of 2019 ... We serve alongside Australian forces. If we were to withdraw now that would be seen as not completing the commitment," Ms Ardern said, denying it was "mission creep".
"But we're also signalling that we're anticipating New Zealand's contribution changing in the future."
Ms Ardern said she had personally briefed Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on the decision.
From November, the Iraq contingent will be reduced to 121 personnel.
"The Iraqi Security Forces have made some significant gains," Foreign Minister Winston Peters said.
"However, it's clear that ISIS remains a threat, and further support is required to help the Iraqi Security Forces ensure ISIS cannot reassert itself."
Originally a two-year mission from 2015, the Iraq operation was extended to the end of November by New Zealand's previous government.
Kiwi and Australian soldiers have together trained more than 30,000 Iraqi troops to fight Islamic State at the camp since their mission began.
Iraq's prime minister declared victory over the militant group late last year and Australia's defence department has this year been reviewing its part in the training mission.
New Zealand's Green Party - a support partner of the government coalition - opposes the extension.
Meanwhile, it was also announced on Monday that New Zealand's deployment of 11 military trainers to Afghanistan would be stretched to next September, again with a review next year.
"After nearly twenty years, it is time to assess New Zealand's longer-term presence there, including alternative military and civilian contributions," Mr Peters said.
Three other New Zealand contributions to peacekeeping missions, to the Golan Heights and Lebanon, South Sudan and Egypt have been extended to 2020.
