We (NZ) certainly need to ditch the concept that we are 'too far' from anywhere to be invaded as that silences the essential bigger debate about what are the strategic risks we face. The biggest risk IMHO is not invasion but economic blockade which would cripple us as a nation within a week or so ...initially due to our fuel supplies drying up.
It would only require the most basic show of force with an ICBM & torpedo equipped submarine to stop commercial shipping to/from NZ overnight and we'd be effectively neutralised as a 'threat' of any sort. Whether the aggressor then saw any value in making a 'presence' onshore there would be little left able to operate (fuel wise) to stop them, and we then would likely be to use as a strategic base for targetting Australia or supplying Antartic bases.
This is why NZ needs to start understanding the concept of 'forward defence' and working with allies to provide a meaningful contribution to the collective of like minded nations and dealing with risk at a distance from our shores. We need to stop measuring our defence capability against the singular concept of invasion alone. The debate seems to be finally starting but likely is too little, too late! ....and NZDF civvy staff cuts still being pressed for.
It would only require the most basic show of force with an ICBM & torpedo equipped submarine to stop commercial shipping to/from NZ overnight and we'd be effectively neutralised as a 'threat' of any sort. Whether the aggressor then saw any value in making a 'presence' onshore there would be little left able to operate (fuel wise) to stop them, and we then would likely be to use as a strategic base for targetting Australia or supplying Antartic bases.
This is why NZ needs to start understanding the concept of 'forward defence' and working with allies to provide a meaningful contribution to the collective of like minded nations and dealing with risk at a distance from our shores. We need to stop measuring our defence capability against the singular concept of invasion alone. The debate seems to be finally starting but likely is too little, too late! ....and NZDF civvy staff cuts still being pressed for.