Defence Minister Judith Collins has announced a significant boost in funding for the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) in the upcoming Budget, with a strong focus on upgrading military operational vehicles.
The Budget will allocate $571 million for Defence Force pay and projects, including $163 million for improving remuneration for NZDF personnel and $408 million for upgrading equipment and infrastructure.
A key component of the funding is to replace the ageing Unimog and Pinzgauer trucks.
“Subject to Cabinet approval, a project will begin to replace the Unimog and Pinzgauer trucks, the NZDF’s workhorses, and most frequently deployed vehicles,” Collins says.
“Replacement vehicles will have integrated communications that will enhance interoperability with regional and global partners, such as Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States.
“Our servicemen and women do New Zealand proud throughout the world and this funding will help ensure we retain their services and expertise as we navigate an increasingly unstable environment.
“NZDF personnel are at the frontline of New Zealand’s security, but they cannot do their jobs without the right equipment and conditions,” Collins says.
The Budget also includes funding for several other defence projects, such as upgrading the NH90 helicopter navigation systems and radios, improving national maritime domain awareness, and modernising digital services and productivity tools. Additionally, the funding will support the leasing of 35 homes for Devonport Naval Base personnel.
The remuneration increases and projects “will help boost our economy while ensuring New Zealand is ready, willing, and – crucially – able to play its part internationally”, Collins added.
“The world is increasingly unstable. We have only to look at events in the Ukraine and Middle East to see how quickly people’s lives can change.”
