By Jesse Peach
At her first address to NZ Parliament Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has paid tribute to a Kiwi soldier killed in Afghanistan overnight.
Private Kirifi Mila, 27, died when the Humvee he was in rolled down a steep hillside.
Three other soldiers were injured in the accident.
Ms Gillard said New Zealand is “family” and Private Mila’s death affects Australians too.
But, she added, the long and tough road in Afghanistan is not over yet.
Private Mila had joined the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) in 2006 and has been described as a “colourful character”.
Ms Gillard mourned the loss of Australia’s 22nd soldier in Afghanistan just a few days ago, and today as she visited the National War Memorial she acknowledged New Zealand’s second death.
“We grieve for these men and their families as we grieve for our own. The Anzac story speaks for both our nation and an imperishable trans-Tasman bond,” she said.
But despite the tragedy both Ms Gillard and Prime Minister John Key refused to accept it is time to leave the war.
“I believe New Zealand should remain committed to seeing the job done,” Mr Key said.
Private Mila’s family have asked for privacy at this difficult time.
His brother is also in the New Zealand Army.
3 News