Defence Force's readiness claims unreliable say MPs

Not enough people to fly helicopters is one of Defence's many issues. (Image: NZME)

Tue, 12 Mar 2024

MPs have questioned the New Zealand Defence Force’s capability, saying its performance measures and readiness claims are unreliable as it struggles with numerous issues, which means new ongoing operations could not be sustained. Parliament’s foreign affairs, defence and trade committee annual reviews of the Ministry of Defence and the NZ Defence Force (NZDF) raise several concerns, including funding, attrition rates and uncertainty about how much veteran support will cost.The committee highlighted how the NZDF said it achieved...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call.
Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Already a Subscriber ? Sign in here.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].name) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

Primary Sector

The 20-minute meeting that sealed Fonterra’s $4.2b sale to Lactalis

Riley Kennedy 11:59am

Markets

Foreign interest fuels M&A surge

Private equity is quiet, but activity at highest level so far in 2025.

Rebecca Stevenson 10:39am

The Quiz Free

QuiznessDesk, Thursday, Oct 30

Feeling clever?

The Quizmaster 9:30am

Sponsored

NZ risks losing edge as Australia takes lead in cleaner jet fuel

Experts warn SAF delay could cost jobs and growth.

Z Energy

Sponsored

Focus on safety of SME vehicle fleets

Vehicle glass repairer’s work enhances road safety.

Smith & Smith

More Public sector

News in Brief

Kominik resigns from Electricity Authority, will start review

Electricity Authority chair Anna Kominik has announced her resignation but will stay in the job until her successor is found.Energy Minister Simon Watts said Kominik will also start a board-led organisational review of the authority.The announcement follows the Government's r...

Ian Llewellyn 22 Oct 2025