Features

Budget 2008: Defence

Budget 2008 has a focus of attracting and retaining top service men and women, and provides a significant investment in a range of new and upgraded equipment to support our troops both here and overseas.

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New Zealand’s defence force must be capable of carrying out a range of combat roles and be ready and able to assist with international aid and peace keeping, particularly in the Asia Pacific region.

The Labour-led government is committed to build and maintain a modern, well trained, well equipped defence force.

Since 1999, we have re-shaped and rebuilt the Defence Force to meet the needs of our independent foreign policy in the 21st century. Our forces are today recognised internationally for their effectiveness, professionalism and their ability to work with other cultures and populations.

Budget 2008 invests a further $276.4 million over the next four years to grow and retain existing service personnel in a tight labour market.

We continue our investment in the New Zealand Defence Force with the purchase and upgrade of capital equipment. Budget 2008 provides for eight new NH90 helicopters, five new Agusta-Westland A109 training helicopters, upgrading the P3 Orion fleet, the C-130 Hercules and the Boeing 757s.

The new NH90 helicopters are a medium utility helicopter that will play a key role in troop deployment, counter terrorism, command and control, search and rescue and disaster relief.

The new Agusta-Westland A109 are training helicopters that replace the old Sioux. They are twin-engine, are equipped with ballistic protection and have secure communications. They have an advanced autopilot, are configured for night flying and are wheeled, allowing for training and use on naval vessels.

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