A New Zealand nurse has been held captive by Islamic state for almost six years - but until now, it was kept secret.

Louisa Akavi's identity was kept under wraps until today because of fears it would put her life in danger.

The 62-year-old nurse was named in the New York Times today with confirmation from the International Committee of the Red Cross.

It effectively ends a five and a half year agreement by media around the world to not name her, or her nationality, because of concerns held by the New Zealand Government that she would be killed by her captors.

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