Defence 

Phil Goff to attend Asean Economic Ministers meeting in Singapore

22.08.2008

Trade Minister Phil Goff departs for Singapore today for the annual Asean-CER Ministers meeting, which includes two days of negotiations towards an FTA between New Zealand, Australia and the 10 Asean countries.

"The Asean - Australia - New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) will have a number of economic and strategic benefits for New Zealand," Phil Goff said.

"One of these is the scale of the potential market for New Zealand goods, services and investment. The Asean economies represent a mar...  more +

Defence Minister receives UN Housing Allowance report

21.08.2008

Defence Minister Phil Goff has received the final report from the Chief of Defence Force on inconsistencies over UN housing allowance claims by seconded NZDF personnel in New York.

"The Chief of Defence Force has now reported to me on the issue of housing allowances paid to four officers seconded to the UN," Phil Goff said.

"I am pleased that the Court of Inquiry has confirmed that there was no evidence at all of 'double-dipping' of allowances, no corrupt behav...  more +

NZ to Participate in Five Nation Training Exercise

20.08.2008

A 172 strong contingent from the 2/1st Infantry Battalion based at Burnham will head for Europe next month to participate in an army training exercise with forces from Australia, Britain, Canada and the United States, Defence Minister Phil Goff said today.

Exercise Cooperative Spirit will take place in Hohenfels, Germany in September.

"The exercise is an opportunity for the New Zealand Army to engage in trainin...  more +

Speech to officially welcome of first modified Air Force Boeing 757 in Wellington

19.08.2008

Speech notes for address at official welcome of first of RNZAF refurbished 757 aircraft

Venue: RNZAF Rongotai (Wellington airport)

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CDF, Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae, CAF, Air Vice Marshal Graham Lintott, ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to formally welcome the first of our modified B757s home. 

This aircraft is the first of the Air ...  more +