I know that lots and lots of our young are paying the ultimate sacrifice in various theatres of war around the globe. They give their lives without question for what they believe is right.

Today the first New Zealander fighting with an elite Australian SAS unit was killed in Afghanistan.

Please spare a quiet moment if you would; and help me extend my thoughts, best wishes and thanks to our very good friends from across the Tasman Sea.

I hope there are no more.