It's still unclear when our Defence Force will be able to evacuate New Zealanders out of war-afflicted areas in the Middle East.

Kiwis there are being urged to alert SafeTravel, with 3000 already registered in the region.

Defence Minister Judith Collins says our planes will leave in the coming days and will take people to safer nearby areas, when conditions allow.

She says they're prepared to take thousands if necessary.

"Well, if they wanted to go, we would simply have to make it happen, but we would obviously have to do it in relays." 

LISTEN ABOVE

It's still unclear when our Defence Force will be able to evacuate New Zealanders out of war-afflicted areas in the Middle East.
Kiwis there are being urged to alert SafeTravel, with 3000 already registered in the region.
Defence Minister Judith Collins says our planes will leave in the coming days and will take people to safer nearby areas, when conditions allow.
She says they're prepared to take thousands if necessary.
"Well, if they wanted to go, we would simply have to make it happen, but we would obviously have to do it in relays."&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Judith Collins: Defence Minister on whether the Defence Force is prepared to evacuate Kiwis from war-torn Middle East

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/80343e63-c4e7-484e-8052-b40400514cb2/transcript