NZDF General discussion thread

[ngatimozart]

The Kaikoura airfield is to the south of the township and the Kowhai River flows between the airfield and the town. Given the state of other bridges in the area, the bridge over the river may not be usable at present.

 

[RegR]

Kaikoura's main tarmac runway is only 700m so very limited to anything bigger than a KingAir.

The Philippines disaster in 2013 and the 2011 Tohoku Quake and Tsunami demonstrated the incomparable utility of the humble CH-47. Kind of useful when airstrips are flooded or destroyed.

While I would love to see a few chooks in AF grey I doubt the pollies would stump up the capital as the 90s were our compromise as our go to lift capability and we paid a premium for. If anything they would prpbably aqquire more NH90s rather than a complete new type as that would at least seem more palatable and more importantly sellable to the public.

We have had a precedence of a C295 type and the idea has at least been thrown around in official circles so IMO a more likely bet regardless of utility vs say a CH-47 type. In a perfect world we would have both capabilities (albeit proportional) as per our neighbours who arguably do much of the same to a like standard but alas our govt holds the purse strings ever so tightly in a death like grip.

 

[ngatimozart]

11:05am
John Key has said the Americans have offered the USS Samson's two helicopters to assist with operations in Kaikoura. They will also add a P-3 Orion to ours to assist with surveillance. Malaysia have also offered a helicopter. The US navy ship is in New Zealand for NZ Navy commemorations.
https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new...riticism-chopper-evacuations-handled-kaikoura

That's great to see and the US have always been quick to help. the Singaporean and Indonesian amphibs in Auckland at the moment would be great assets to help if they have trouble getting the inland road open.

 

[kiwipatriot69]

Agreed, it was mentioned here. a while back defence was looking at purchasing a few extra A109's? as part. of DWP. Maybe the immeadiate. ongoing threat, amoung others. will be 'sharp shock' enough. to see NH90 and some more fixed wing.

 

[ngatimozart]

Kaikoura's main tarmac runway is only 700m so very limited to anything bigger than a KingAir.

The Philippines disaster in 2013 and the 2011 Tohoku Quake and Tsunami demonstrated the incomparable utility of the humble CH-47. Kind of useful when airstrips are flooded or destroyed.

The max take off weight for a C130H is 155K lbs. 700m is 2300ft. This takeoff & landing card gives the C130 landing length for a max weight of 155K lb as 2463ft in a max effort landing. The C130s would not have to operate into and out of Kaikoura at their max all take off weights so the loads can be reduced so that the aircraft can have a shorter landing run. If need be they could also low level drop supplies into the area. The problem at the moment will be determining if the airfield is serviceable and safe to use and road access to the town is available.

 

[Rob c]

The max take off weight for a C130H is 155K lbs. 700m is 2300ft. This takeoff & landing card gives the C130 landing length for a max weight of 155K lb as 2463ft in a max effort landing. The C130s would not have to operate into and out of Kaikoura at their max all take off weights so the loads can be reduced so that the aircraft can have a shorter landing run. If need be they could also low level drop supplies into the area. The problem at the moment will be determining if the airfield is serviceable and safe to use and road access to the town is available.

they could easily get in and out of 700m(More than 2300ft) at a reduced AUW all up weight, they can get down to 1400-1500ft at min weights, (thats takeoff distance)They have been landed and taken off on an aircraft carrier many years ago for trial purposes and that was without any arrestor or catapult gear.

 

[ngatimozart]

they could easily get in and out of 700m(More than 2300ft) at a reduced AUW all up weight, they can get down to 1400-1500ft at min weights, (thats takeoff distance)They have been landed and taken off on an aircraft carrier many years ago for trial purposes and that was without any arrestor or catapult gear.

Yep when it was trialled as a USN COD platform I think. Impressive, very impressive.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uM5AI3YSV3M

 

[ngatimozart]

Quake update

The USN has offered to Romeo helos from the DDG-51 USS Sampson and a P3C Orion which the NZG has accepted. The Japanese Govt has also offered unspecified help and they have a DD here, the JS Takanami (DD-110), which is the lead ship of the Takanami class. It carries a SH60-J(K) Kai. The OPV Wellington is already on the way to undertake a seabed survey of the Kaikoura environs before Canterbury arrives. It has been suggested that there has been a 2m - 3m uplift in the Kaikoura Bay area. If this is correct then that may create problems getting boats and LCM safely in and out until they get a good survey of the inshore seabed.

Update: Looks like one or both of the JMSDF P1s have been undertaking aerial survey work this arvo. Also 140 people have been flown from Kaikoura to Woodend, just north of Christchurch, by early this evening. They hope to have 200 in total by last light. Sunset is at 8:35pm. They have been flying in water, food, diesel fuel, diesel equipment and other essential supplies all day. At present NZDF and Red Cross have 5 tonnes of essential supplies ready to go which is about 2 x NH90 loads.
https://www.facebook.com/notes/nz-d...ing-aid-supplies-to-kaikoura/1151304181573393

 

[recce.k1]

Quake update - international response

According to an updated MSM report as of a few minutes ago (hopefully it is accurate???), the USS Sampson itself will be heading to Kaikoura to assist with the earthquake relief efforts. Joining her will be HMAS Darwin and HMCS Vancouver. Presumably these vessels have been chosen in order to support their ship board helicopters.

In addition to the OPV and MRV Canterbury, the RNZN will also send an ANZAC Frigate Te Kaha and the tanker HMNZS Endeavour.

This is good, not only do visitors/tourists need to be evacuated, the residents of the township itself will need assistance as they have been putting the tourists' needs first. MSM reports the town's water supply will run out within 24 hours (water bottles have been flown in by helo) although the arrival of HMNZS Canterbury tomorrow should ease many of these pressures with her relief supplies on board etc.

The first US warship to visit New Zealand in decades has been drafted in to help humanitarian efforts as the Government continues to help stranded tourists in Kaikoura out of the area.

The North Canterbury region was worst-hit by the 7.5 magnitude earthquake, with landslides and slips blocking all road access in and out of the tourist town.

The USS Sampson was due in Auckland for the navy's 75th anniversary celebrations. But it will now head directly to Kaikoura to help with disaster relief.

Meanwhile, a US Marine Corps P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft currently participating in New Zealand exercises will also join relief efforts.

Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee said NZDF has now accepted offers of help from the US, Australia, Canada, Japan and Singapore.

The Orion from Hawaii based Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 will conduct aerial assessments of earthquake affected areas around Kaikoura.

Squadron commanding officer Commander Ryan C. Cech said he's "proud we can assist our New Zealand partners in their time of need."

Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee said NZDF has now accepted offers of help from the US, Australia, Canada, Japan and Singapore.

"The USS Sampson, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, has departed from the Hauraki Gulf and is now on its way to Kaikoura, where it will deploy two MH60 helicopters to help as required. The US has also offered a P-3 Orion for surveillance flights.

"The Australian Defence Force has diverted the HMAS Darwin from her planned participation in the International Naval Review.

"The Darwin is expected to arrive off the Kaikoura coast on Wednesday evening and will deploy its Seahawk helicopter from offshore. Canada is sending its frigate the HMCS Vancouver.

"The New Zealand Navy has already sent HMNZS Canterbury and HMNZS Wellington to Kaikoura and it will also send HMNZS Te Kaha and tanker ship, HMNZS Endeavour.

Earthquake: US warship and aircraft drafted in to help with humanitarian relief in Kaikoura | Stuff.co.nz

I see the MSM article refers to a USMC P-3 but looks like they meant USN (which operates from USMC Base Hawaii). http://www.vp47.navy.mil/

 

[ngatimozart]

According to an updated MSM report as of a few minutes ago (hopefully it is accurate???), the USS Sampson itself will be heading to Kaikoura to assist with the earthquake relief efforts. Joining her will be HMAS Darwin and HMCS Vancouver. Presumably these vessels have been chosen in order to support their ship board helicopters.

In addition to the OPV and MRV Canterbury, the RNZN will also send an ANZAC Frigate Te Kaha and the tanker HMNZS Endeavour!

This is good, not only do visitors/tourists need to be evacuated, the residents of the township itself will need assistance as they have been putting the tourists' needs first. MSM reports the town's water supply will run out within 24 hours (water has been flown in by helo) although the arrival of HMNZS Canterbury tomorrow should ease many of these pressures with her relief supplies on board etc.


Earthquake: US warship and aircraft drafted in to help with humanitarian relief in Kaikoura | Stuff.co.nz

I see the MSM article refers to a USMC P-3 but looks like they meant USN (which operates from USMC Base Hawaii). Welcome to the VP-47 Homepage

Yes and the Japanese ship is the JDS Takanami - well I presume that the Takanami is coming down. I think that the Japanese would insist on sending it if they could, because they won't have forgotten our USAR team going to Japan for the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in March 2011 whilst we were still in the throes of the Christchurch 22 Feb 2011 quake sequences. IIRC basically their USAR team and ours went to Japan together straight from Christchurch.

Also it looks like from that article and the NZ Herald one that the RSS Resolution (RSN) could be coming down as well. That's the only asset that I believe that the Singaporeans have in country at the moment. They too were an excellent help during the Christchurch quakes; they had a MP company here on exercise and along with the NZDF and Aussie police were a great help on the streets.

It doesn't surprise me in the slightest about the drongos in the MSM saying that the USMC fly P3s - they reckon that Canterbury is a frigate and don't be surprised to hear / see them call anything painted grey a battleship.

 

[MrConservative]

While I would love to see a few chooks in AF grey I doubt the pollies would stump up the capital as the 90s were our compromise as our go to lift capability and we paid a premium for. If anything they would probably acquire more NH90s rather than a complete new type as that would at least seem more palatable and more importantly sellable to the public.

It is crystal clear that the MUH lift is marginal with respect to numbers within the NZDF. Imagine a disaster like this happening at an inconvenient time. We are lucky to have defence partners right here at the present for the Navy's birthday party to mitigate it. A CATG deployment with half the NH-90 fleet overseas, of those left at home one or two maybe u/s for a number of reasons, scheduled or unscheduled, thus leaving very little wriggle room when something like this goes down. Thousands of trapped international tourists in a disaster zone and a couple of NH-90's to deal with it. A PR disaster would follow the main disaster, a political own goal of equally seismic proportions. It would make for very pleasurable viewing on BBC's HardTalk.

 

[ngatimozart]

2016 Capability Plan Released

The 2016 NZ Defence Capability Plan was released at lunch time.

New Defence Capability Plan released

Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee has today launched the Defence Capability Plan 2016, detailing the $20 billion investment in capability needed out to 2030.

The Plan is the next step in delivering on the Defence White Paper, released in June this year.

“Since then the government has agreed to the procurement of an ice-strengthened naval tanker and high mobility vehicles for the Special Air Service,” Mr Brownlee says.

“It has also approved upgrades to the underwater surveillance capability of the P-3 Orion and has requested tenders for a littoral operations vessel.

“In response to the assessment of New Zealand’s strategic outlook in the Defence White Paper, the government will also invest in an ice-strengthened offshore patrol vessel, replacement of our maritime surveillance aircraft in the 2020s, and a cyber protection and support capability for deployed forces.”

Other major investments over the period include:

Replacing the ANZAC frigates with modern combat vessels;
New transport aircraft to replace the C-130 and B757 fleets;
Digitising land forces through the Network Enabled Army programme;
Rolling purchases of modern weapons and protective equipment;
Protected mobility vehicles; and
Secure strategic communications capabilities.
“For the first time, the Defence Capability Plan includes indicative capital cost and schedule bands for major projects, to demonstrate the relative scale and timing of the investments.

“For New Zealand suppliers, knowing the size and scope of capability investment opens up opportunities for partnering with other contractors to provide through-life support arrangements for major assets, or to suggest niche technology solutions.

“The $1.7 billion programme of capital investment to rejuvenate the Defence Estate is one of the biggest opportunities for New Zealand suppliers to be involved, particularly for the local construction sector.

“New Zealanders expect NZDF personnel to be well equipped and trained for operations, and the significant investment in new capabilities detailed in this Plan will ensure that this occurs,” Mr Brownlee says.

I haven't had a chance to read it yet. Link to the Capability plan in case you missed the link at the top.

 

[40 deg south]

The 2016 NZ Defence Capability Plan was released at lunch time.

I haven't had a chance to read it yet. Link to the Capability plan in case you missed the link at the top.

Just skimming it now. Opening 20 pages largely re-stating government goals and cutting and pasting from White Paper. Minister states that Defence Expenditure will remain around the 1% of GDP mark.

P26-27 Good overview of procurement process

P28 and after - outlines expected force structure in 2030
ANZAC frigate replacements either in service or under procurement
OPVs Wellington and Otago have had mid-life upgrades
Canterbury has new landing craft and a mid-life upgrade

Army able to deploy an East Timor-sized force for up to 36 months

A 'future air surveillance and response capability' - details unstated
Seasprites still in service

Cyber protection and support capability
Networked command and control system

P30 - some of the bar charts NZDF loves, showing planned activities and approximate time frame

8 NH90s and five AW109s in service. So no plans to boost numbers.

Following pages have more detailed plans for each domain. Tend to be spread over very long time frames - e.g. ANZAC replacement begins 2018 and runs to 2030, with major Cabinet decision points at 2019, 2023 and 2026.

The new Southern OPV starts 2017 and runs to 2023, with decision points 2018 and 2019.

P37 Devonport facilities to be expanded/upgraded

No time for more. While some would gripe about the lack of detail, I think it goes a fair way towards putting flesh on the bones of the White Paper. But it isn't the shopping list some people have been hoping for.

 

[ngatimozart]

2016 Defence Capability Plan

The Defence Force must also be able to contribute to operations further afield. This includes combat operations, in medium to high threat environments Such contributions will most likely be made as part of operations led by New Zealand’s international partners. It is important that the defence force maintains the ability to operate effectively with other defence forces, particularly Australia. ...

To undertake the roles and tasks set out in the White Paper effectively, the New Zealand Defence Force must be able to respond to a range of events, on land, at sea and in the air. This requires maintaining a broad range of capabilities that offer a range of credible deployment options to Government. ...

New Zealand must be able to contribute military capabilities that are valued by our potential coalition partners. This includes providing a combat capable Joint Task Force, or individual force elements, able to operate in higher threat environments as part of a coalition. Retaining an effective combat capability ensures that the Government can make meaningful contributions to international security.

I’ve basically cut and pasted the business case details from the Plan.
Estimated, Provisional Business Cases Schedules for Cabinet submission.
RNZN
Future Surface Combatant project:
• Indicative Business Case in 2019
• Detailed Business Case in 2023
• Implementation Business Case in 2026

Ice-strengthened offshore patrol vessel project:
• Indicative Business Case in 2018
• Detailed Business Case in 2018
• Implementation Business Case in 2019

Offshore Patrol Vessel Mid-Life Upgrade:
• Single Stage Business Case in 2021
• Implementation Business Case in 2023
They intend to dispose of all of the IPV fleet. The timings and disposal details have yet to be determined.

HMNZS Canterbury Mid-Life Upgrade:
• Single Stage Business Case in 2019
• Implementation Business Case in 2021

HMNZS Canterbury Landing Craft Replacement:
• Single Stage Business Case in 2019
• Implementation Business Case in 2021

Littoral Operations Support Capability project:
• Implementation Business Case in 2017

Torpedoes will not be replaced until 2026.

NZ Army
Tranche Two of the Network Enabled Army programme:
• Implementation Business Case in 2018

Tranche Three of the Network Enabled Army programme:
• Implementation Business Case in 2020

Tranche Four of the Network Enabled Army programme:
• Implementation Business Case in 2022

Protected Mobility Capability project:
• Indicative Business Case in 2017
• Detailed Business Case 2018
• Implementation Business Case in 2018
• Detailed Business Case in 2019
• Implementation Business Case in 2019
This project is investigating the viability of either a MLU or replacement of the NZLAV and the Pinzgauers. The solution may include new vehicle types and will be a phased rollout during 2018 – 2029.

Garrison and Training Vehicles project:
• Indicative Business Case in 2017
• Detailed Business Case in 2018
• Implementation Business Case in 2019
This project will rollout over a period from I presume 2019 - 2030.

RNZAF
Future Air Mobility Capability project:
• Indicative Business Case in 2017
• Timeline for Detailed and Implementation Business Cases will be determined following Cabinet consideration of the Indicative Business Case.

Future Air Surveillance Capability project
• Indicative Business Case in 2016
• Timeline for Detailed and Implementation Business Cases will be determined following Cabinet consideration of the Indicative Business Case.
Aircrew Training Capability project:
• Single Stage Business Case in 2016

Networked Domain - Major Capital Initiatives
Strategic Bearer Network – High Frequency Radio project:
• Single Stage Business Case in 2017
• Implementation Business Case in 2018

Disposal of Equipment
Significant equipment expected to undergo disposal in the period up to 2030 include:
• HMNZS Endeavour
• HMNZS Manawanui
• Lake Class Inshore Patrol Vessels
• C-130 Hercules aircraft
• B-757 aircraft
• P-3K2 Orion aircraft
• Pinzgauer vehicles
• Mercedes-Benz UNIMOG vehicles
• Surplus Light Armoured Vehicles
• Steyr individual weapons

In recognition of its Investor Confidence Rating and general performance, Government raised Defence’s general approval thresholds for selected large scale, low or medium risk Defence investments funded from existing baselines, from $25 million to $50 million in whole of life cost terms. This reflects the increasing confidence in Defence’s capability and asset management performance.

Since the investor is Treasury this does show that Defence has made significant gains in improving and professionalising its procurement systems and processes.

The Government has planned annual increases in the Defence Force operating and capital budgets to deliver the capabilities of the Defence White Paper. These planned increases would see Defence spending at an average of around 1% of Gross Domestic Product out to 2030. (Ministers Foreword)

There is no increase to any of the current capability sets. It is basically a marking time plan with no real improvement. The NZG adhering to a 1% of GDP defence expenditure is extremely disappointing and it shows there lack of commitment to NZ’s defence, security and its continued lackadaisical commitment to its alliances, allies and friends. This is a quite a disappointing turn of events. The claims that this is an affordability issue is purely political bull manure that has been ongoing since 1991.

 

[ngatimozart]

Kaikoura Quake Update

NZDF Facebook page Photos
The helo landing zone in Kaikoura is known as LZ Rugby :rotfl The evacuation by sea is in full swing. The RNZAF delivered a desalination plant and diesel generator into Kaikoura by C130 and are airdropping 5 tonne of water this arvo.

NZDF’S disaster relief operation maintains high tempo
The New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) disaster relief operation has maintained its high tempo with the arrival of amphibious sealift ship HMNZS CANTERBURY and offshore patrol vessel HMNZS WELLINGTON in Kaikoura this morning.
Air Commodore (AIRCDRE) Darryn Webb, the Acting Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, said CANTERBURY was helping in the ongoing evacuation of residents and tourists from the quake-damaged coastal town. About 150 people have embarked the ship since the evacuation began this morning.
“Our immediate priority is to evacuate as many displaced people as possible from Kaikoura. This will continue today using our NH90 helicopters and, following a successful seabed survey by WELLINGTON, CANTERBURY and other significant maritime capabilities we now have in the region.”
AIRCDRE Webb said the NZDF has mobilised additional aircraft, vessels and personnel to support the Government’s earthquake response. The additional assets include the frigate HMNZS TE KAHA and replenishment tanker HMNZS ENDEAVOUR, which sailed overnight from Auckland and are expected to arrive in Kaikoura on Thursday.
“We have been working with the Ministry of Civil Defence in ensuring emergency needs in the affected communities are met promptly, and we are ready to provide additional support as required,” AIRCDRE Webb said.
A Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft transported a generator and a water purification system earmarked for Kaikoura from Linton this morning. It will airdrop about 5000 litres of water to Kaikoura residents later this afternoon. Monday’s 7.5 magnitude earthquake disrupted power and water supplies in Kaikoura and cut off land access to the town.
Four NH90 helicopters from the Air Force’s 3 Squadron rescued 200 people and delivered 1.3 tonnes of water, 300kg of food and jerrycans of diesel to Kaikoura on Tuesday. The helicopters continued to deliver essential supplies and rescued about 60 stranded residents and tourists from Kaikoura this morning.
The NZDF has mobilised about 500 personnel, at least 11 aircraft and four vessels to support the Government’s earthquake response.
The NZDF forces currently at Kaikoura will be joined over the next 24 hours by Australian, Canadian and United States warships with their embarked helicopters. The helicopters will be able to be used for a variety of tasks including personnel and stores transfer, and conducting critical needs assessment of isolated communities. In total, the ships that are yet to arrive are carrying four helicopters, which will be added to the existing NZDF helicopters operating from land and sea.
Surveillance aircraft from Japan and the United States have also been made available to conduct aerial reconnaissance of quake-damaged areas.

The Inland Road into Kaikoura from Waiau has been opened to military grade 4WD vehicles and essential services only in order for essential supplies to reach Kaikoura. Police and NZDF personnel will control access to the road. The general public will not gain access to it until the weekend at the earliest.

The two Defence HQ buildings (Freyberg Building and Freyberg House) in Aitken St in Wellington have been severely damaged by the quake sequence and Defence will not be able to occupy them for about a year. NZDF, Ministry of Defence and NZ intelligence agencies occupy the structures. I worked in the Freyberg Building back in the early 1980's up on one of the higher floors and it use to sway in the Wellington breeze (winds > 30 knots). It was designed to do so. I would hate to be in it during a quake of 4.5 magnitude or more.

EDIT: Magnitude of quake has just been upgraded from 7.5 to 7.8

 

[RegR]

NZDF Facebook page Photos
The helo landing zone in Kaikoura is known as LZ Rugby :rotfl The evacuation by sea is in full swing. The RNZAF delivered a desalination plant and diesel generator into Kaikoura by C130 and are airdropping 5 tonne of water this arvo.

The Inland Road into Kaikoura from Waiau has been opened to military grade 4WD vehicles and essential services only in order for essential supplies to reach Kaikoura. Police and NZDF personnel will control access to the road. The general public will not gain access to it until the weekend at the earliest.

The two Defence HQ buildings (Freyberg Building and Freyberg House) in Aitken St in Wellington have been severely damaged by the quake sequence and Defence will not be able to occupy them for about a year. NZDF, Ministry of Defence and NZ intelligence agencies occupy the structures. I worked in the Freyberg Building back in the early 1980's up on one of the higher floors and it use to sway in the Wellington breeze (winds > 30 knots). It was designed to do so. I would hate to be in it during a quake of 4.5 magnitude or more.

EDIT: Magnitude of quake has just been upgraded from 7.5 to 7.8

I'm sure they will be gutted, spent all that money (pretty sure there was the usual media beat up at the time), been there less than a decade and now have to find a new HQ or spend no doubt a small fortune to rectify all whilst trying to run buisness as usual.

I guess it's all about proximity to government otherwise never knew why they did'nt just aqquire the old uni across from Trentham and just expand the camp as somewhat logistically easier from at least a military standpoint and saves a train ride or two.

 

[MrConservative]

There is no increase to any of the current capability sets. It is basically a marking time plan with no real improvement. The NZG adhering to a 1% of GDP defence expenditure is extremely disappointing and it shows there lack of commitment to NZ’s defence, security and its continued lackadaisical commitment to its alliances, allies and friends. This is a quite a disappointing turn of events. The claims that this is an affordability issue is purely political bull manure that has been ongoing since 1991.

The penny dropped on November 8. NG. If they do not realise it by next November 8 as a Government they won't be there anyway.

 

[ngatimozart]

I'm sure they will be gutted, spent all that money (pretty sure there was the usual media beat up at the time), been there less than a decade and now have to find a new HQ or spend no doubt a small fortune to rectify all whilst trying to run buisness as usual.

I guess it's all about proximity to government otherwise never knew why they did'nt just aqquire the old uni across from Trentham and just expand the camp as somewhat logistically easier from at least a military standpoint and saves a train ride or two.

I don't think that they own the Freyberg Building anymore so if that's the case then the repairs are not their problem. I believe that they own Freyberg House on the frontage of Aitken St. I am ownly going by what I have seen elsewhere so it may be duff gen.

 

[40 deg south]

Since the investor is Treasury this does show that Defence has made significant gains in improving and professionalising its procurement systems and processes.

There is no increase to any of the current capability sets. It is basically a marking time plan with no real improvement. The NZG adhering to a 1% of GDP defence expenditure is extremely disappointing and it shows there lack of commitment to NZ’s defence, security and its continued lackadaisical commitment to its alliances, allies and friends. This is a quite a disappointing turn of events. The claims that this is an affordability issue is purely political bull manure that has been ongoing since 1991.

I'm pretty sure the answer to your first question is 'Yes'.

Agree the 1% of GDP is inadequate, but hardly surprising. The Minister made the same comment in the higher-level White Paper that sets policy direction, so was very unlikely to say anything different here. The precise wording in the Capability plan is

These planned increases would see Defence spending at an
average of around 1% of Gross Domestic Product out to 2030.

The 'average' and 'around' still leave a bit of wriggle room - in both directions.

Of course, this plan would have been prepared long before the US election result. NZ govt will be taking a 'wait and see' approach to what happens there.

 

[t68]

Agree the 1% is woefully inadequate, for the projections of NZG, but irrespective of what the Trump Gov does would have much meaning in NZ after all the USA now have no military treaty commitments to NZ after the nuclear standoff.

But by there own admission they still want to be able to contribute as part of the wider global community, NG just might be right if they keep to this level of funding Sourh Korea just might pick up some additional orders for the RNZN