The government's defence of Iraqi troops is drawing derision from some, and serious questioning from others.

Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee has just returned from a secret 48 hour trip to Iraq to check on the New Zealand deployment.

He said he looked into the eyes of local troops, and knew they weren't cowards who'd turn on our soldiers.

But New Zealand First Defence Spokesperson Ron Mark isn't buying it.

"To tell me he is thoroughly confident in the Iraqi security forces, because he has looked into the eyes of some young recruits and he just knows, I find quite bizarre."

Gerry Brownlee said the troops are secure and training is going well.

But a New Zealand aid worker who's just returned from the country, disagrees.

Harmeet Sooden has been visiting refugee camps in the country's north and said Iraqi soldiers aren't helping the volatile situation.

"I think New Zealand should be working on increasing humanitarian aid and diplomatic efforts."

New Zealand may actually be doing more harm than good, as "the Iraqi forces that we're training have been implicated in major human rights abuses," according to Mr Sooden.

He said those abuses may even amount to war crimes.

Meanwhile Britain has agreed to send 125 more military trainers to Iraq, almost doubling its numbers in the country.

The announcement was made at the annual world leaders' meeting, the G7, in Bavaria.

They'll be spread across the country, not just centred in the Kurdish area as they are now.

Most are Improvised Explosive Device experts.

Prime Minister David Cameron and US President Barack Obama will be discussing Iraq when they meet for talks today.