Afghan death no reason to withdraw troops - Key

The death of a New Zealand soldier in Afghanistan today is not a reason to withdraw troops, Prime Minister John Key says.

Private Kirifi Mila, 27, was killed last night when the Humvee he was standing in rolled down a 30-metre cliff in the northeast of Bamiyan province about 8.40pm (NZ time Tuesday).

Three other soldiers were in the vehicle on a patrol when the accident happened.

One had serious head injuries, one had broken ribs and was now stable, and the third was in shock and recovering.

Mr Key expressed his sorrow for Pvt Mila's death, but said it was not a reason to pull troops out of Afghanistan.

"This was the result of an accident, and motor vehicle accidents do happen," Mr Key said.

"As tragic as it deeply is that we've lost this young man, I don't think that we should change course as a result of his death.

"In fact, I think we honour his death by ensuring we do everything we can, and, in the case of Bamiyan, to make sure we can hand over that province to Afghan control, but in a way where all of the good works that we've done in the last decade can bear fruit in years to come."

Defence Minister Wayne Mapp offered Pvt Mila's family sympathy, noting that he had put his life on the line to do the hard work in Afghanistan.

"The roads are narrow and dangerous. Every day our people encounter significant risk, not only through the actions of insurgents," he said.

"Pvt Mila was a fine member of the Defence Force who has served his country well, and has now paid the ultimate price while doing his duty."

In her address to Parliament this morning, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard spoke about the loss of Pvt Mila while commenting on the Anzac spirit and shared losses in war.

"Just two days ago I attended the funeral of Corporal Richard Atkinson, the 22nd Australian soldier to be killed in Afghanistan," she said.

"New Zealand has not been spared this anguish, not in the past with the death of Lieutenant Tim O'Donnell, the first member of the New Zealand Defence Force to fall in Afghanistan, and not today with the terrible news of another sad loss of a New Zealand life, the death of Pvt Mila.

"We grieve for these men and their families as we grieve for our own, because the Anzac stories speak for both our nations an imperishable trans-Tasman bond. They can never be replaced, our fallen, but they will never be forgotten."

Labour leader Phil Goff also passed his condolences to Pvt Mila's family and to the defence force.

Mr Goff said the death brought back thoughts of his own nephew, Captain Matthew Ferrara, who was killed while serving in the US Army in 2007.

"It is a painful reminder. It's a terrible tragedy to lose a young man in the prime of his life in the service of his country, and I feel very personally for Pvt Mila's family at this time."

MPs delayed business at today's Parliament session to acknowledge Pvt Mila's death, with each party offering words of condolence.

Mr Key and Mr Goff led the tributes, and were followed by Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei, Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia, Act leader Rodney Hyde, Progressive leader Jim Anderton and United Future leader Peter Dunne.