NZ mulls more Timor, Afghanistan troops

New Zealand will consider raising its troop levels in East Timor if it is required, its defence minister says.

Defence Minister Phil Goff said New Zealand is also considering a request to boost troops in Afghanistan ahead of an expected northern offensive.

New Zealand currently has about 116 troops deployed on provincial reconstruction work in Bamiyan province in Afghanistan, and 150 defence force personnel in East Timor.

But Mr Goff said it was possible troops levels in East Timor might have to rise in the future.

"Clearly there is a level of violence between different regional groups and gangs within the community that do cause some concern," he told reporters.

"At the moment 150 troops on the ground seems about right but we need to see if there are further demands that might require other aspects of our defence force personnel."

Any decision would be taken by Cabinet after consultation with the United Nations and other countries in the joint peacekeeping force.

Peacekeepers were deployed to East Timor last May amid political unrest and bloody violence in the tiny nation.

Meanwhile, Mr Goff said Afghanistan had asked for New Zealand's deployment, due to end in September, to be extended and for an increase in troop numbers.

Cabinet is yet to make a decision on the request, but Goff said there were already plans for a small increase in the coming months as international forces brace for an increased threat of attack. The decision to send those extra troops was not linked to the latest requested by the Afghan government.

There have been reports that insurgent fighters are gathering on the Pakistan and Afghanistan border for a new offensive as spring thaws mountain snows.

"We are aware that when the winter ends in Afghanistan there is likely to be a greater level of activity from al-Qaeda and the Taliban, that is something the international forces take into account," Goff said.

"It's not an immediate high level threat in Bamiyan, but naturally we are not complacent about the risk that can exist, even in an area where our presence is welcomed," he said.

A spokesman for Goff said New Zealand troop numbers in Bamiyan will rise to 130 shortly. Others are helping to train the Afghan National Army and working with the international security assistance force.

New Zealand has taken part in military operations in Afghanistan since December 2001 and the reconstruction team has been there since September 2003.