For more than 20 years, the New Zealand Defence Force worked alongside partners in Afghanistan, making a significant contribution to regional security and the lives of the local people.

More than 3,500 Kiwi personnel served there, including 10 soldiers who tragically lost their lives.

This year marks a decade since the withdrawal of New Zealand’s provincial reconstruction team, so we’re bringing you tales of service and sacrifice from those with first-hand experience of life at the front-line.

This six-part series hosted by Defence Public Affairs will include previously unheard stories about the heat of battle, the role of the SAS, keeping the faith in times of tragedy, and the lasting impacts of this deployment on those who served and their loved ones at home.

Feedback on this podcast can be sent to podcast@nzdf.mil.nz