Afghan interpreters in danger when NZ withdraws

A former Afghan interpreter says his family and the families of other interpreters are in great danger of being tortured and slaughtered when New Zealand troops withdraw from the country.

Diamond Kazimi says they've already been threatened.

"People would just come up to you and say, why are you working for infidels? Or, why are you cooperating with them? And yeah, next time I see you I'm going to kill you."

Diamond Kazimi says the New Zealand Government should have thought about the consequences before they employed Afghan interpreters.

"To settle down in New Zealand - they know everything, most of them even know the language like Maori language because they spend so much time with 'bros' and they're just part of the family."

Diamond Kazimi estimates 100 refugees would need to come here, including interpreters and their families.

United Nations chief technical adviser Chris Carter agrees interpreters will be in danger when our soldiers leave.

"Undoubtedly people who have been assisting international forces are more at risk. Other countries have recognised this. The United States has already taken many Iraqi and Afghanistan interpreters and other people."

Chris Carter says the New Zealand Government should consider doing the same.

He says they'd be assets to this country.

"They're smart, mostly young people, who are really motivated and would make good New Zealanders."

Photo: Getty Images