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The Prime Minister has phoned his Australian counterpart, Tony Abbott, to tell him of New Zealand's decision to deploy troops to Iraq.

The Iraqis have also been informed.

John Key will make his announcement to the New Zealand public this afternoon, but New Zealand troops in Iraq won't be used to provide intelligence to identify targets for air strikes.

Key says intelligence will be gathered, but only with our military trainers in mind.

"What would be occurring would be collection on the basis to support our activities there and only our activities there, but that position can change and that's yet to determined how we might provide that intelligence.

"But you would expect us to provide that intelligence to make sure our people are safe."

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister has been attacked for telling his Australian counterpart Tony Abbott and the Iraqis of his decision to deploy troops to Iraq before telling the New Zealand public.

Labour's Andrew Little says the New Zealand public should have been told of such a significant decision before he told others.

"Well, I think the New Zealand public are entitled to know before others knew.

"Once Cabinet made the decision, the Prime Minister should have fronted up to all of New Zealand at the time the decision was made - not leading us on a merry dance until we know later on today."

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Iraq announcement looms