While most New Zealanders are looking forward to spending the next few days with family or friends, for our armed forces, many of them will not only be working but will be spending the holidays on the far side of the world.

Amongst them is Lieutenant Colonel Oiroa Kaihau, who works as a mentor in camp Qargha in Afghanistan.

He is one of 13 New Zealanders in the Middle Eastern country. 

Kaihau told Tim Dower in the situation they deal with in Afghanistan, it's dangerous to relax too much.

"It's still very, very dangerous, especially if you are one of the countries that has contributed to this country over the last 10 or 12 years or even longer." 

He says their biggest threat at the moment is insiders turning on them. 

Kaihau and his colleagues are mentoring Afghan counterparts, with the intention of withdrawing and leaving them to manage their own country's affairs.

He describes the conditions as living inside a maximum security prison, and they remain on guard 24/7. 

But Kaihau says some of the troops will take the day off.

"We will withdraw back into our camp. Some of us will have the opportunity to have the day off and celebrate Christmas as you would normally celebrate it, as best as you can."

Kaihau says they will likely have traditional treats such as turkey and ham. 

He says FaceTime and Skype lets them remain close to their family members and loved ones. 

Kaihau says morale is very, very high amongst New Zealanders, and some new faces have helped lighten things up.

"They are excited to be here as they are doing something that the army has trained them to do."

LISTEN TO OIROA KAIHAU TALK WITH TIM DOWER ABOVE