Majority of New Zealanders are showing full support for the government’s decision to send 143 troops to Iraq to help train the Iraqi government forces against ISIS. The troops have already reached Iraq where they are expected to work alongside their Australian counterparts in a U.S. base in Taji.

In a survey by Herald-DigiPoll, about 57 percent of Kiwis agreed with New Zealand’s decision to deploy troops while only 34 percent felt otherwise. Males were more supportive of deployment than women. The results of the survey also noted that support levels remain the same for all age brackets.

The poll was conducted a few days before Anzac Day when there was news of arrests in Australia of a group of suspected men planning terror attacks on the day of celebrations. Previous reports featured Mark Taylor, an extremist from New Zealand, in a YouTube video urging supporters of ISIS to target Anzac Day events.

According to New Zealand Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee, existing terror threats may influence the reaction of New Zealanders. He believes people are beginning to realise that the country was not isolated from such threats.

The Labour party and its foreign affairs spokesperson, David Shearer, opposed the deployment of troops. Shearer said New Zealanders were more evenly split than the survey had indicated. Shearer added the poll should have included how New Zealanders felt about the country contributing in a way other than sending troops.

A poll in April by ONE News revealed most people believe New Zealand wanted to send troops to Iraq to remain in good standing with its allies, Britain and U.S. Only 30 percent said the troops were sent because it was the right thing to do.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key had defended the government’s decision and said there were several reasons for the deployment, reports TVNZ. “I genuinely and utterly believe that a stronger ISIS presents a real threat to New Zealand,” said Mr Key. He added that terrorists may “bring the war” to New Zealand unless something is done to reduce the risk.

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