Opposition Spokesperson for Defence Hon Peeni Henare reflects on the achievements of the previous government and sets out his approach to constructively challenging the new government on Defence matters.

During the 2023 election campaign the key areas debated by aspiring politicians around the country focussed on important issues like the cost of living, education and health care. Sadly defence policy is rarely debated and barely registers on the radar of most voters yet it stands as an important part of protecting our national interests, projecting our sovereignty, supporting peace around the world and responding to significant natural disasters in and near the place we call home. 

Through these functions and many more, the New Zealand Defence Force – Te Ope Kātua, have served our country proudly with mana and integrity yet many New Zealanders don’t engage in robust defence policy discussions.

Nonetheless, voters made clear that they wanted change at the recent election. After the election I was chosen by the opposition leader to be the spokesperson for defence, but as a former Minister in the last Labour Government I am proud of the work we did with regard to defence. We undertook a much needed defence review to ensure that our defence force and related policies were fit for purpose given the dynamic and fast evolving strategic competition close to home and across the world. 

I am proud of the fact that we procured new capabilities across the three services and now have tangible outcomes that lift our capabilities. I am proud of the much needed investment in our ageing infrastructure which I was told during my tenure as Minister of Defence would be very familiar to my grandfather who trained at those facilities before being deployed in World War Two.

“Sadly defence policy is rarely debated and barely registers on the radar of most voters yet it stands as an important part of protecting our national interests…”

However, the achievement I am most proud of is the investment we made in the people, the beating heart of the defence force. We know that defence force personnel who are well trained and highly educated are a much sought after recruit for a hungry and well-paying labour market so it was hugely important to make sure there was competitive remuneration. 

By no means am I claiming perfection here and there is much more to be done, but our work in the last government signalled our belief in and commitment to our defence force and robust defence policy.

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Now in opposition our role will be to constructively challenge the government on matters relating to defence. During my tenure as Minister of Defence I always believed that where possible, bipartisan support was crucial in order to provide stability for our defence force. In fact, I would often meet with the spokespeople from across the house to discuss defence matters. I was always disheartened when the good work of our defence personnel was undermined by petty politics.

I look forward to doing this job on behalf of all New Zealanders but most importantly for the amazing and hardworking defence force personnel.

So my last word is to the service personnel of the New Zealand Defence Force both past and present. On behalf of all New Zealanders we thank you for your unwavering service and dedication to our country.

This year you were part of operations around the world and continue in the fine tradition of our forebears. At home you were a sight of comfort for so many during the distressing and severe weather events our country has faced.  I wish you and your whānau a very Merry Christmas and an enjoyable festive season. Bring on 2024!