The 'number 8 wire' days for NZ's defence force are over – new priorities will demand bigger budgets

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New Zealanders have been put on notice that defence and security are among the bigger challenges the country faces this century.

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Provider: 
The ConversationThe Conversation
URL: 
https://theconversation.com/the-number-8-wire-days-for-nzs-defence-force-are-over-new-priorities-will-demand-bigger-budgets-211182https://theconversation.com/the-number-8-wire-days-for-nzs-defence-force-are-over-new-priorities-will-demand-bigger-budgets-211182
Retrieved on: 
Giovedì, Agosto 10, 2023
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Tags: 
Weapon, Technology, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (New Zealand), Employment, Housing, Education, Anglo-French Wars, Atmosphere, Perception, Policy, New Zealand Defence Force, Intelligence, Foreign Affairs, Science, ANZAC, Ministry, Apathy, GDP, Engineering, Budget, STEM, Boeing P-8 Poseidon, Ageing, Mathematics, Health, Robotics, Annual report, News, NZDF, Renewable energy, Arms industry, Tourism, Risk management, Management, Pacific Ocean
Geotags: 
NEW ZEALAND, NZ
Sommario
Key Points: 
  • New Zealanders have been put on notice that defence and security are among the bigger challenges the country faces this century.
  • The release last week of a new national security strategy and defence policy strategy statement underscored the urgency of the required response.
  • But this will require financial and social investment in the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) at a scale not seen for decades.

Underfunding and apathy

    • At the end of the Cold War in 1991, defence expenditure was 2.26% of GDP.
    • Analysts have previously pointed to a degree of public apathy and negative perception of the NZDF.
    • A poll in 2007 showed a majority of New Zealanders were unwilling to see taxes increase to pay for defence.
    • The documents identify several challenges that logic dictates will require increased funding and better public support for defence.

The technology deficit

    • The strategy statement notes that military technology is “evolving at an exponential rate”.
    • The NZDF “needs to be more agile in adopting new technologies, including those that will help protect New Zealand and those that can project force”.
    • By contrast, the cover of the design principles document offers a clue to the challenge by featuring a 1980s-designed ANZAC frigate warship.
    • As one critical assessment in 2020 argued, “The decision to scrap air combat [fighter jet] capability in 2001 appears particularly reckless.”

Skills, people and pay

    • The NZDF needs to “adapt to a changing labour force to attract appropriate personnel”.
    • The 2022 NZDF annual report noted how the challenges in recruiting and retaining personnel affect operational readiness and resilience.
    • Given the employment market offers “remuneration rates greater than the NZDF currently provides”, a new pay model is needed.
    • Finally, the NZDF “will be called upon more often” for contingencies that include armed conflict, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
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