Experts say New Zealand’s Defence Force is “not yet in a fit state” to face current threats as military spending has been allocated to the wrong places.
Although New Zealand has been warned to be at an increased risk of cyberattacks, Auckland-based geopolitical and strategic analysis expert Paul Buchanan, said New Zealand’s threats weren’t always digital – and the defence budget was allocated in the wrong places.
“We are an army-centric military, and yet we are an island nation who cannot even staff the navy. It’s underfunded and understaffed.
“Between the cyber threats that emanate from these great powers [Russia and China], and the increasing maritime threats, particularly from China ... the defence budget needs to be justified.”
Defence Minister Peeni Henare said he was confident the Royal New Zealand Navy was funded sufficiently to fulfil its current military outputs.
When asked if the government intended to increase defence spending or capability in light of the invasion of Ukraine, Henare said there were a “number of pressures” on the Defence Force.
He said issues, including the retention of the NZDF’s workforce, were for budget consideration.
Previous Defence Minister Ron Mark said he had given the Defence Force what he called the “biggest increase in spending in 60 years”, but he thought it had been “put on pause”.
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“The Defence Force is not yet in a fit state.”
Mark said New Zealanders liked to think they didn’t need the Defence Force, until something happened.
He said it needed to be invested in order to do its job.
Mark said the war in Ukraine should come as a wake-up call for the nation as to the potential threats China could pose.
He said New Zealand was a trading nation that funnelled about three-quarters of its exports through the South China Sea – trade that could be halted because of possible conflict in the region.
Meanwhile, the National Security Group has warned private businesses to be diligent with increased risks for cyberattacks.
Deputy chief executive of the National Security Group Tony Lynch said in light of the global threat environment, it was recommended that organisations should be ready for a cyberattack.
“We are aware of the potential for retaliatory attacks, including cyberattacks, from Russia against countries that have stood up to its aggression on Ukraine.
“Aotearoa has been working with our international partners to build collective resilience against such attacks.”
Lynch said Russia’s “flagrant breach of fundamental international rules” would create the biggest long-term threat to the international community, including New Zealand.
Deputy chief executive of the National Security Group Tony Lynch said in light of the global threat environment, it was recommended that organisations should be ready for a cyberattack.
“We are aware of the potential for retaliatory attacks, including cyberattacks, from Russia against countries that have stood up to its aggression on Ukraine.
“Aotearoa has been working with our international partners to build collective resilience against such attacks.”
Lynch said Russia’s “flagrant breach of fundamental international rules” would create the biggest long-term threat to the international community, including New Zealand.
