As New Zealand troops head to Iraq a Cabinet paper reveals the Government was advised sending them there could make New Zealand a target of Islamic State.

But the paper said the risk of doing nothing was even greater and that if Islamic State became stronger the threat to New Zealand would increase.

The paper was considered by the Cabinet on 23 February when it decided to send troops to help train Iraqi army in partnership with Australia.

It made the point that a military contribution could result in New Zealand being named as a target by Islamic State.

It said national security agencies were working to identify, monitor and mitigate domestic risks. But these risks should not deter New Zealand from being involved.