DEFENCE
Continued investment in the Defence Force needed With spiking infantry attrition rates raising questions over morale, writes Opposition defence spokesperson Hon Mark Mitchell, continued delay to the Defence Estate upgrade needs an explanation.
Hon Mark Mitchell is the Opposition Spokesperson for Defence, the previous Minister of Defence, and a former Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Select Committee.
Since my last contribution to Line of Defence, the nation has faced an unprecedented lockdown in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Now in Level One, we are getting used to what the new normal looks like and focusing on our economic recovery. I would like to acknowledge the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) for the significant role it played in the relief and recovery efforts throughout this stressful time of uncertainty. I know their efforts positively impacted many communities and was greatly appreciated by Government response centres, Emergency Coordination Centres, community groups, Ministries and the NZ Police alike. Approximately 638 personnel were assigned to regions to help support the NZDF response to Covid-19 and about 80 personnel were assigned to support central agencies. During this time, Operation Pacific Relief was also
set up to provide Cyclone Aid to our pacific neighbours, Fiji and Vanuatu. I have received a lot of feedback from members of the public about their continued confidence in our Defence Force, knowing that they were organised and ready to be deployed during the early stages and throughout this time of national crisis. I am very proud of our Defence Force for the way in which they have responded to Covid-19. I welcome the confirmation of five Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules transport aircraft to replace our 1950s era C-130 Hercules aircraft. It is a long overdue investment and a purchase National would have made – it correlates with the Defence Capability Plan we released in 2016. Our Defence Force is required to operate in the largest Search and Rescue zone in the world, and needs to be operable in sub-Antarctic
Linton-based soldiers tasked with helping local iwi alliance. Image: New Zealand Army.
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Line of Defence
