Kiwi troops return from Middle East

Kiwi troops return from Middle East

A group of Kiwi troops have returned to New Zealand following a six-month long deployment in the Middle East.

The soldiers, who were part of a counter-piracy mission, touched down in Auckland earlier tonight.

As they stepped onto the tarmac one by one, they were greeted by friends, family and loved ones.

The 53 Defence Force personnel were deployed in one of four six-month rotations, as part of the nearly year-and-a-half long operation.

The airforce, navy and army were all on board, tasked with preventing piracy, people- and drug-trafficking in waters across the Middle East.

In total, more than 300 Kiwi troops were involved, helping to support the 30-nation strong combined maritime forces.

The Defence Force says it isn't ruling out further operations of this kind but says it's up to the Government to make the final call.

Watch the video for the full 3 News report.