Country can be proud of soldiers' efforts

The Labour leader David Shearer says the hearts of New Zealanders go out to the families of Lance Corporal Rory Malone and Lance Corporal Pralli Durrer.

The two 26 year olds were killed when they went to the aid of ambushed Afghan police in Bamyan province.  Six other Defence Force staff were wounded.

“Operating in difficult and dangerous environments is an everyday reality for New Zealand soldiers.  Afghanistan is a troubled and violent place, and our troops face the constant threat of danger.

"Corporals Durrer and Malone were working to help establish a more peaceful and stable Afghanistan.  It will be of little solace to their families at this terrible time of loss, but the whole country should be proud of their efforts.

“The death of two such young men is a tragedy for their grieving families and friends, and will hit their colleagues in the Defence Force hard.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those closest to Rory Malone and Pralli Durrer at this very sad time,” says David Shearer.