DEFENCE New Zealand’s Defence stability in uncertain times Hon Dr Wayne Mapp notes that despite changes in governments Defence policy has continued to remain stable, and that Covid-19 presents both challenges and opportunities for defence spending.
Hon Dr Wayne Mapp QSO was New Zealand’s Minister of Defence and Minister of Science and Innovation from 2008 to 2011.
It is tempting to use the Covid pandemic as an excuse to put things off. In recent weeks there were several letters to the editor in the major newspapers suggesting that the purchase of the new C130 and P8 aircraft should either be deferred or cancelled. Admittedly some of the authors were well known opponents of virtually all defence spending, but it was clear they were reflecting views more widely held in the community. Anyone who has any knowledge at all about the state of the RNZAF major aircraft will know that the existing C130 Hercules and P3 Orions are already 55 years old and are towards the end of their serviceable life. Their replacement is critical to maintaining New Zealand’s defence capability. These particular aircraft represent more than most of the platforms within NZDF. They are at the core of
New Zealand’s independent foreign policy. In times of emergency, the C130s are the capability that brings aid throughout the South Pacific. They are also New Zealand’s sovereign link to the Antarctic. The Orions are central to maritime and fisheries protection, not just in the New Zealand EEZ, but also throughout the South Pacific. If New Zealand did not have either capability, there would be little that New Zealand could do to assist the South Pacific nations or maintain a sovereign influence within the region. The commitment in Budget 2020 to replace both aircraft types with new equipment shows that the government understands the importance of these capabilities – that it will not use the Covid pandemic as an excuse to abandon New Zealand’s core defence obligations.
An RNZAF B757
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Line of Defence
