The Valley
Current Affairs, New Zealand, Politics|2017|PG VWhen America's war on terror was declared and sights were set on Afghanistan, New Zealand lined up amongst the coalition. It would become the country's longest military deployment. New Zealand's contribution was often characterised as a "hearts and minds" mission, but the truth was far more complex. In this series, the Stuff Circuit team investigates why New Zealand was really there and asks what was being done in the country's name. The team reveals disturbing details which change the official narrative about two of the most infamous moments of the war for New Zealand soldiers.
Episode 1: Enduring Freedom
Episode 1: Enduring Freedom
Why were New Zealand troops in Afghanistan? And what were we trying to achieve? The team looks back at the start of New Zealand's involvement and discovers what promises were made.
Why were New Zealand troops in Afghanistan? And what were we trying to achieve? The team looks back at the start of New Zealand's involvement and discovers what promises were made.
Episode 2: Mission Ready
What training and equipment did New Zealand troops receive before they left, and was it enough? And what was the response when the situation on the ground began to deteriorate.
What training and equipment did New Zealand troops receive before they left, and was it enough? And what was the response when the situation on the ground began to deteriorate.
Episode 4: The Valley
The team travels to the deadly Shikari Valley, site of a major battle where two New Zealand and four Afghan soldiers were killed. Why were they even there in the first place?
The team travels to the deadly Shikari Valley, site of a major battle where two New Zealand and four Afghan soldiers were killed. Why were they even there in the first place?
Episode 5: The Database
The team discovers New Zealand soldiers were drawn into a controversial American intelligence programme, which even the Defence Minister at the time did not know about.
The team discovers New Zealand soldiers were drawn into a controversial American intelligence programme, which even the Defence Minister at the time did not know about.
Episode 6: Consequences
Military leaders refuse to answer questions about the official narrative, so the team seeks answers from other quarters - and are surprised at what they discover.
Military leaders refuse to answer questions about the official narrative, so the team seeks answers from other quarters - and are surprised at what they discover.