Defence Force
New Zealand has joined the arms race, professor says
A $12 billion plan includes spending on "enhance combat capability, including strike capacity". Audio
Govt announces $12 billion Defence Capability plan
The government is pumping $12 billion over the next four years into building a "modern, combat-capable" New Zealand Defence Force. Political Editor Jo Moir spoke to Alexa Cook. Audio
Defence Minister Judith Collins on defence funding boost
New missile systems, better strike capability and a focus on drones and new technology, those are just some of the features of the government's long-awaited Defence Capability Review. Defence Minister… Audio
Govt promises massive boost in defence spending
The coalition has promised a massive boost in defence spending up to levels not seen since the early 1990s, but there are still questions about where the money will come from. Political reporter… Audio
Govt to give Defence Force $12 billion funding boost
The government has unveiled plans to pump billions of extra dollars into the Defence Force to ensure its modern and combat capable. Former National MP and Defence Minister Wayne Mapp spoke to Corin… Audio
NZDF drops entry requirements to boost numbers
The Defence Force has made it easier for people to apply, and it's seeing a surge of applicants. Audio
Defence force removes academic requirements to boost recruits
The Defence Force has made it easier for people to apply for a job in a bid to get more boots on the ground. Ellen O'Dwyer spoke to Alexa Cook. Audio
Ukraine a case study in how NZ needs to change defence spending - Hipkins
The Labour leader says an increase in defence spending is justified regardless of whether New Zealanders support it or not. Audio
War hero Apiata entrusts MP Penk with Victoria Cross medal
The taonga comes with a request to redefine the meaning of a war veteran in legislation.
New Defence Force planes will need to be serviced in Australia
New Defence Force planes used for maritime patrol and submarine hunting will need to be sent to Australia for any servicing. Phil Pennington spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Defence Force can't service Poseidon planes, sends them to Australia
The agency knew when it spent $2.3 billion on the four Poseidons that servicing their high-tech complexity was beyond it.
Winston Peters stays mum over Washington DC meetings
The Foreign Minister is having one-on-one ministerial meetings ahead of making any public comment.
Cricket quips and Kiwi ships: Behind the scenes of Christopher Luxon’s India trip
Christopher Luxon's trip to India included the restart of trade talks, the tightening of defence ties, and more than a spot of cricket - RNZ's deputy political editor takes us behind the scenes.
Midday Report Essentials for Friday 21 March 2025
In today's episode, a security and defence expert says cuts to its civilian workforce risks the Defence Force's combat readiness; RNZ's money correspondent breaks down the distances between… Audio
Military robots and thinking trucks - the learning curve ahead for NZDF
"The NZ Army will observe and learn from our ally and partners."
Defence job cuts turn up heat on Luxon's last day in India
The prime minister hit back at criticisms of his coalition's investment in defence as he stood aboard HMNZS Te Kaha, docked in Mumbai. Audio
NZDF proposes cutting civilian roles
The New Zealand Defence Force is proposing to cut about 370 civilian roles. This is part of a major restructure and comes after 145 civilian workers took redundancy last year. Mission Homefront… Audio
New Zealand Defence Force proposing to cut hundreds of roles, union says
Staff have been told of plans of a major restructure that could see 374 civilian roles gone, according to the PSA.
Defence cuts proposed for civilian workforce
The proposal has not only raised concerns about how well our military forces can continue to operate with less civilian tech support, but also what sort of a message it sends to our allies at a time… Audio
Where does NZ stand on killer drones?
The Prime Minister is calling for new norms on how armies use artificial intelligence, but also says rules are "giving way to power". Video, Audio
