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Efficiency and wise spending of available resources is the best way to make the most of a shrinking defence budget. In the New Zealand context a good example of this was the highly effective Kahu upgrade performed on its A-4 Skyhawk fleet. For considerably less cost the aircraft have near F-16 capabilities. Pictured is a two seat TA-4 over RNZAF Base Ohakea. (RNZAF)
The Battle Within – Kiwi Defence Under Siege
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Horriblis’ for the New Zealand Defence Force. The public airing of its dirty laundry, starting with intense media interest in over spending on the RNZAF Base Ohakea commander’s house, has put defence chiefs on the spot and raised new criticism of New Zealand’s general defence spending.
For the New Zealand public, these matters have overshadowed the far more important fact that the RNZAF has been able to meet the tasks demanded of it – including additional work demanded by government at short notice. Perhaps fortunately, bad press at home has not affected the NZDF’s credibility with New Zealand’s friends and allies, particularly Australia. New Zealand’s defence relationship with Australia has been improving for many years, but there has been consistent criticism from the Australian government to the effect that New Zealand’s contribution is not ‘credible’. This year, though, at annual talks held in Darwin, that criticism was notable by its absence. The fact is that out of necessity New Zealand seems to get more ‘bang’ for its defence ‘buck’ than Australia.
Horriblis’ For The New Zealand Defence Force. The Public Airing Of Its Dirty Laundry, Starting With Intense Media Interest In Over Spending On The Rnaf Base Ohakea Commander’s House, Has Put Defence Chiefs On The Spot And Raised New Criticism Of New Zealand’s General Defence Spending.
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