Defence Minister Judith Collins has clarified a new $957 million boost to the Defence Force is in addition to the previously announced $12 billion Defence Capability Plan.
More than $2 billion was set aside in this year’s Budget to replace the Defence Force’s ageing fleet of maritime helicopters in a pre-Budget announcement at Auckland’s Whenuapai Air Base today.
A new $957 million investment over four years in Defence Force missions, people, estate maintenance and international engagement was also signalled.
Both investments were initially touted to be part of the wider $12 billion Defence Capability Plan which indicated the country’s defence spending would hit more than 2% of GDP within the next eight years.
However, following the media conference, Collins clarified the near $1 billion boost was in addition to the $12 billion plan.
Necessity had driven the decision to spend more than announced a month ago, she told 1News.
“The fact is things have been left in a pretty dire strait, so we just have to get it done. It’s a lot of money, but it’s needed.”
New Zealand currently has eight Seasprite helicopters whose replacement would not only increase defensive and offensive capability of frigates but their surveillance range and the Navy’s ability to support non-combat tasks like humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, Collins said.
“Together with a $957 million investment in Defence Force activities, personnel and estate, the $2 billion-plus budgeted to replace the helicopters represents the first tranche of the Government’s $12 billion of planned commitments to upgrade the Defence Force over the next four years.”
The announcement was made at Auckland’s Whenuapai Air Base today. (Source: 1News)
Naval capability would be prioritised for investment due to New Zealand’s position as a maritime nation, she added.
“The new helicopters will be able to go further and carry larger loads, including weapons, personnel and equipment – all of which is critical for Defence to protect New Zealand and New Zealanders.”
Cabinet would consider a business case for the helicopters this year but Collins confirmed the money to pay for them had been set aside.
The $957 million investment equated to a $239 million annual spend over four years.
“Our personnel are being called upon to go more places, more often and for longer to play New Zealand’s part in contributing to global security. This funding will enable them to do that,” Collins said.
Funded activities included:
- $150m for the Defence Force to sail, fly, patrol and train more often;
- $39m for personnel allowances for such things as deployments;
- $20m for international deployments;
- $26m for critical estate maintenance to improve accommodation, and working and training conditions for personnel;
- $15m to maintain NZDF’s digital and information capability;
- $8m to provide for civilian staff pay increases;
- $3m to increase essential engagement with international partners;
- $8m to support military organisation support functions, such as courses, educational resources, and defence sport.
An additional $1 million in short-term funding, which was not annual, would be provided to enable Veterans’ Affairs to process and manage applications for support.
“New Zealand is not immune from the increasing tensions being felt throughout the world,” Collins said.
“Today’s announcement sets us on our path for defence spending to reach 2% of GDP by 2032/33.”
‘We have to be able to pull our weight’ – Luxon
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said defence was “one vital component” of the upcoming Budget.
“Today, New Zealand is facing its most challenging and dangerous strategic environment for decades, and we are no longer living in a benign strategic environment.
“The risk of conflict in our wider region has risen, and we have to do our part internationally and domestically.”
Luxon said his visit to Gallipoli earlier this month served as a “very stark reminder that our prosperity doesn’t happen without security”.
“We have to be able to pull our weight and be able to follow up our words with real actions.”
