The top brass at police and defence have warned MPs the government's spending cuts could weaken frontline services.
Public sector bosses have been questioned at Parliament's Select Committees over the last month about the potential impact of the coalition's public service trim.
While most chief executives remained tight-lipped about their savings proposals, some hinted the 6.5 to 7.5 percent cuts will have consequences.
RNZ political reporter Katie Scotcher has more.