National backs our Defence Force like we back the All Blacks, and we want to see them be the very best they can be. As we have all seen in recent months, the quality of the service that the NZDF gives to our great country is unparalleled, and it would only be right that we give them the support they need.

Since 2020, this government has seriously neglected the NZDF. 89% of personnel are paid at least 5% below comparable civilian rates. This lack of support has contributed to 30% of uniformed personnel leaving over the last two years and now the NZDF is dangerously close to being operationally ineffective.

“As we do in other sectors, the NZDF should focus on specialising as experts in niche areas, offering capabilities to allies and regional partners that they don’t necessarily have.”

I have repeatedly called for this funding shortfall to be addressed, as well as for the improvement of other conditions of service, such as the standard of facilities and equipment. While it was encouraging to see the government announce funding for our remuneration recommendations in the budget and finally agreeing with our concerns about the depleted operational capability of the NZDF, there is still much work to be done in this space to give our NZDF the tools they need.

National’s Plan for Defence

1. National is committed to strengthening the NZDF by addressing the unsustainably high attrition rates and bolstering recruitment.

Continued high attrition rates on a consistent basis threatens the operational effectiveness of the NZDF by limiting their capabilities. It is a priority that this comes to an end. The NZDF needs the tools to recruit more personnel and keep them for longer.

2. National will support the recent funding announcement from the government but also want to improve the other conditions of service for our existing personnel.

Pay rates are important to NZDF staff and National will review these to ensure they are competitive and commensurate. NZDF personnel deserve better living conditions and more variety in the types of work available. National understands these components play big roles in personnel’s decision to stay or leave the NZDF.

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3. National will focus on improving our interoperability with our traditional partners given the rising geopolitical tension.

NZDF personnel need the expertise to operate a range of tools and machines, even if these are outside the usual scope of operations, so they can more readily work with allies and regional partners as escalating situations require.

National will support our NZDF personnel to undergo more training with allies and regional partners and to cooperatively share defence knowledge, vital to collaboratively navigate the geopolitical tensions growing in the Asia-Pacific region, posing threats towards democratic countries.

4. National will focus on enabling the NZDF to deliver exceptional performance in a selection of key areas that will support our own priorities and enhance joint international efforts.

New Zealand has limited resource capabilities when compared to some other countries. As we do in other sectors, the NZDF should focus on specialising as experts in niche areas, offering capabilities to allies and regional partners that they don’t necessarily have. Our unique skills will enhance our worth globally as opposed to being a similar contributor to others albeit on a smaller scale.

This approach will provide potential to earn our NZDF personnel more respect on the world stage, opening more opportunities for deserved recognition. National recognises the skill and hard work our personnel contribute and will support them to enhance their potential further.