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The New Zealand government has announced more than $2 billion in a crucial funding increase for the replacement of ageing Seasprite maritime helicopters.
NZ Minister of Defence Judith Collins, speaking at RNZAF Base Auckland, announced the large investment in New Zealand Defence Force operating funding ahead of the country’s 2025 budget.
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More than $957 million ($239 million a year over four years) will be allocated to Defence Force missions, people, estate maintenance and international engagement.
“The replacement of the Seasprite helicopters will also extend the Navy’s ability to support non-combat tasks such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief,” Minister Collins said.
“Together with a $957 million investment in Defence Force activities, personnel and estate, the $2 billion plus budgeted to replace the helicopters represents the first tranche of the Government’s $12 billion of planned commitments to upgrade the Defence Force over the next four years. I will have more to say about investments in the coming year at the Budget.
“There is no economic security without national security. Global tensions are increasing rapidly, and Defence personnel need the right equipment and conditions to do their jobs.
“As a maritime nation we are prioritising naval capability. The new helicopters will be able to go further and carry larger loads, including weapons, personnel and equipment – all of which is critical for Defence to protect New Zealand and New Zealanders.”
The NZDF has operated SH-2G Seasprites since the late 1990s, and Minister Collins confirmed that a business case for new helicopters will be considered by the NZ Cabinet in 2025.
“It is very clear that New Zealand is not immune from the increasing tensions being felt throughout the world,” she said.
“Today’s announcement sets us on our path for defence spending to reach 2 percent of GDP by 2032/33.
“This is just the beginning as we work with our coalition partners New Zealand First and ACT to give our Defence Force the tools to enable New Zealand to increasingly step up both domestically and internationally.”
Funding is reportedly allocated with $150 million for the Defence Force to sail, fly, patrol and train more often; $39 million for personnel allowances including deployments; $20 million for international deployments; $3 million to increase essential engagement with international partners; $26 million for critical estate maintenance to improve accommodation, and working and training conditions for personnel.
In addition, $60 million over four years is allocated to maintain NZDF’s digital and information capability; $33 million over four years to provide for civilian staff pay increases; $11 million over four years for essential engagement with international partners; $32 million over four years to support military organisational support functions (such as courses and educational resources and defence sport) and an additional $1 million in short term funding (not annual) to enable Veterans’ Affairs to process and manage veterans’ applications for support.
Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Tony Davies said there is no doubt the global security environment is changing and the Defence Force needs to step up in contributing to global security.
“Annually this will include $150 million for Navy, Air Force and Army for direct operating and logistics costs, and some increases in our military personnel numbers,” he said.
“This funding will enable the NZDF to sail, fly, patrol and train more often.
“It will assist with rebuilding combat capability through additional field exercises, increasing military personnel numbers, and will mean mission critical systems and capabilities are maintained and available to respond to security threats and other operational tasks as needed.”
