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The New Zealand frigate Te Mana has set sail for the Arabian Sea on a counter-terrorism mission which some people fear could put it in harms way in a potential war with Iraq.
Te Mana is participating in a Canadian-led task force to enforce anti-terrorism shipping regulations.
A legal officer specialising in armed conflict is on board to make sure the frigate does not cross into war territory.
Te Mana was escorted out of the Hauraki Gulf by three police boats and three Navy vessels.
The 181 crew on board will officially start patrolling in about three weeks time when they get to the Arabian Sea.
Minister of Defence Mark Burton made a formal visit to Te Mana and says that the mission is not tied up with any potential conflict in Iraq.
"It's about ensuring that the waterways don't allow free and easy traffic for international terrorism. That is what we are part of and not something else. It's that simple," says Burton.
But one mother, Georgina Saeth, is still concerned.
"Not knowing what's going to happen in the next six months, yes that's the only thing that's going to make it worse for me," Saeth says.
Allan Cooper's son is also on board Te Mana.
"It's a concern that they're going over there and that they could lose their lives. But it's also proud for us that they are going there to represent our county and what we stand for," Cooper says.
A small group of protesters also farewelled Te Mana fearing she will be pulled into war.
"We think it's a very big mistake on the part of the government to send a warship to the Gulf at this time," said one protester.
The patrol is scheduled to last six months when The United States expects any war with Iraq to be fought and won.
It will be a couple of weeks before Te Mana arrives in the Gulf Region.
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