Defence Minister Judith Collins announces the findings of the Manawanui sinking report on Friday, 29 November 2024. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
The Defence Minister discusses the plan for a massive boost in defence spending - up to levels not seen since the early 1990s.
Judith Collins has announced $12-billion worth of investment over the next four years, $9 billion of which is new money.
The bulk will be spent on maritime, aerospace and information capabilities.
This includes extending the lifetime of aging frigates, replacing the maritime helicopters, replacing the Boeing 757 fleet and upgrading cyber security capabilities.
There will also be investment in new capabilities to "enhance combat capability, including strike capacity" in a deteriorating security environment.
She says the Defence Force has been let down for 35 years through lack of resourcing.
