NZ White Paper looks south and north
The New Zealand government has outlined a 15-year modernisation plan through the release of its Defence White Paper on 8 June.
Originally due last year, the white paper replaces the previous one issued in 2010 but remains generic in terms of when and what equipment will be acquired.
Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee pledged ‘close to NZ$20 billion’ (US$14 billion) in capital expenditure over the 15-year period. This level of spending equates to just 1% of GDP.
Nevertheless, perhaps heralding increased priority, New Zealand’s defence budget announced last month will increase 2016/17 spending by 8.8% to NZ$3.7 billion.
‘The white paper
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