Podcasts about nzdf

This episode we discuss the league in CHCH, Morgans run, Mandy pies, Tim Dillon re posts, Twin peaks all over, Corde roading, Aussie flora and fauna, Crusher Collins, NZDF, Joels mysterious lights, Bread n Circus and much more. Enjoy. Support The Joel and Tim Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=74670148 Support us with caffeinated beverages at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thejoelandv

One small NZ-based robotics company is looking for new opportunities - and the NZDF has expressed interest in working with them. Syos Aerospace develops and manufactures uncrewed vehicles and subsystems for dual-use applications - with a focus on enhancing capabilities, reducing risk, and reducing cost. CEO Sam Vye joined the Afternoons team to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major drone maker is warning that New Zealand's Defence Force should not buy any of the weapons that have not proved themselves in the Ukraine war. Phil Pennington reports.

It would be great if we didn't have to spend $12 billion on our defence force. But we do, and I'm good with it. To be honest though, while we'd known the Government had some sort of plan to increase defence spending, I was still blown away a bit by the scale of it when the announcement came through. So, $12 billion over the next four years. There'll be new helicopters, more missiles, autonomous vessels, the air force's clapped-out 757s will be replaced. And that's just the start, because it's all part of a bigger 15-year plan to up the ante on the defence front. The Government says it will boost defence spending to more than 2% of GDP within the next eight years, which we haven't seen since the early 1990s. Defence Minister Judith Collins says defence personnel are excited, because under-investment over the last 35 years has left the force gutted. Former NZ First defence minister Ron Mark is over the moon too. But he says the Government should sign contracts for the new gear ASAP, so any future government can't ditch the plans. But he says it's not just about missiles and helicopters, there's an issue with people power, as well. And recruiting the people needed to deliver the Government's 15-year plan will be a big challenge. Which Judith Collins acknowledges – you might have heard that the defence force has lowered some its academic requirements for people wanting to join the forces. Which I think makes sense. Judith Collins does too. And she says what we pay our defence personnel —as opposed to this $12 billion that's going to be spent on kit— will be covered in the Budget next month. What this all brings us to is the question of what sort of operation you think our defence force should be. Should it use this new capability that it will have to focus on peacekeeping? Should there be more of a focus on surveillance? Or do you think we need a defence force that is capable of attacking? Professor Al Gillespie is an international law expert from Waikato University. He says this big investment in defence shows New Zealand has joined the arms race. He's saying today: "We've avoided doing it for quite some time but there's been a lot of pressure on us to increase the amount of money that we spend.” So the Government is responding to that pressure. And I think it's great. Yes, the money could be spent on health and education, but our defence force is in such bad shape that the Government has no choice. And, in terms of what sort of capability I want our military to have, I think we need to cover all of the bases. We have to be equipped to keep the peace. Surveillance is another critical role. But if we think we can do either of those things without some sort firepower to back it up, then we're dreaming. And the government knows that, which is why it wants our ships to be combat-capable. I'm not saying that I want our defence force going in all guns blazing, but it needs to be capable. Way more capable than it is now. Which is why I think this $12 billion —and everything else that comes on top of that— is going to be money well spent. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well, we were a little in advance of the day yesterday, weren't we? If you were with me yesterday, I was looking at the armed forces lowering their standards to try to attract more people into the services. They're leaving in droves, finding it very hard to recruit new people, men and women, to join the services. And instead of lowering standards, I said, why not make the Defence Force more attractive as a career? Address the poor pay, the substandard housing and the lack of opportunities for career advancement for servicemen and women to stop them leaving in their legions. And what do you know? Twelve hours later they have. A huge investment into our services, $12 billion over the next four years for a modern combat capable New Zealand Defence Force, $9 billion of that 12 is new money. Where is it going to come from? Who knows? All will be revealed. It's an unprecedented investment into services and it will certainly bring them into the 21st century. Morale must have gone through the roof. So to the grandad that texted in yesterday and said we've just encouraged our grandson onto a Pathways Programme into the Navy, have we done the right thing? This time yesterday morning, no. Today? Abso-bloody-lutely! The Defence Capability plan released yesterday afternoon will see all sorts of things. It will see the ailing Boeing 757s replaced – that'll cost between $600 million to $1 billion. Other smaller vehicles, including light armoured vehicles, will get around the same – $6 million to $1 billion in funding. The maritime helicopters will be replaced, that'll cost $2 billion plus. There'll be uncrewed autonomous vessels. There'll be javelin anti-tank missile upgrades, enhanced strike capabilities, long range remotely piloted aircraft, space capabilities. You name it, Uncle Tom Cobbley and all. The Governments chosen not to replace the two Anzac frigates, Te Mana and Te Kaha, certainly not in the first part of the plan. Instead, they're going to spend around $600 million to keep them going. Former Defence Minister Ron Mark says he sees NZ First's hand in the defence commitment. He said there would have been a lot of nudging, a lot of feeing on, a lot of encouragement from NZ First, and he told Mike Hosking this morning that this significant commitment to our defence will only enhance our standing with our long term allies. “This will play well with our strategic partners globally. I mean I'm thinking right now ASEAN, FPDA, and the Indo Pacific. I'm thinking of security comfort that the South Pacific Defence Ministers will get. Five Eyes also, and NATO, can't forget NATO. But it's also going to enhance the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs ability to secure our economic future. You can't have prosperity without security and right now we're living in possibly the most insecure times that we've seen since the Second World War.” Amen to that. He also told Mike that he wanted to get the contract signed as soon as possible so that in the event of a Labour/Greens coalition there wouldn't be a U-turn on this defence commitment. But Labour leader Chris Hipkins said he broadly agreed with the plan as it stood on Monday. He was interested in seeing how it would be paid for, as indeed are we all, but what would he care about that? Didn't bother him in the past where the money came from. He basically sees an increase in defence spending as an extension of Labour's 2019 plan, and they did put in a considerable sum of money, again, probably as part of the coalition commitments. I guess when you see Chris Hipkins saying he broadly agrees with it, political leaders with an ounce of experience and pragmatism, who are not blinded by ideology, understand that the world is indeed a precarious place. We have to be willing and prepared to play our part in helping ourselves and helping our friends, and with that commitment yesterday we're certainly showing that we're willing to do so. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One former Defence Minister has voiced his thoughts on the Government's latest defence spending announcement. The Government unveiled the $12-billion dollar plan yesterday - $9 billion of it new spending. It includes enhancing strike capabilities, replacing Boeing 757s, and upgrading javelin anti-tank missiles. Wayne Mapp joined the Afternoons team to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Defence Minister discusses the plan for a massive boost in defence spending - up to levels not seen since the early 1990s.

Former Defence Minister Ron Mark's toasting the coalition Government following a commitment to more defence spending. It's pouring $12 billion over four years into defence – $9 billion of which is new spending. It includes enhancing our strike capabilities, replacing the Boeing 757 fleet, and upgrading our javelin anti-tank missiles. Mark told Mike Hosking it will be good for New Zealand's strategic partners. He says it will provide security comfort for South Pacific Defence Ministers, Five Eyes, and NATO. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A touch of the ol' intellectual snobbery reared its head with news that the Defence Force dropped education criteria last year. As a person who had no time for school and could not wait to get out into the world, I was, and still am, very grateful for the idea that you choose the person and not the piece of paper when it comes to work. When I started, School Certificate and UE were what you needed to get into the media, or at least to have a crack. These days you need a degree. I can assure you the quality of those graduates has not changed one iota as a result of several years of study. The military is an awfully difficult place to recruit for, especially in a country like ours. Just what is it you are offering? We don't do a lot; we don't have a lot of equipment and we don't fight wars. We keep peace and patrol. So in a world where work-life balance and work from home and 4-day weeks are commonplace, average pay, Waiouru, and a lot of early rises aren't exactly calling cards. So you simply now need three years of school. You don't even need Level 1 NCEA. Here is the thing – some people aren't into school. I know this because I was one of them. Not all life choices, work choices, or skills are gained by passing Year 11 maths. The military is as much about attitude and aptitude – it's a structured environment and it is designed for a specific type of person. In places like America, they recruit people who may well struggle to get regular work. That is the way it is and it's a simple truth. They offer dental and medical in a country where you may not be able to afford it. They offer a career and travel and opportunity in careers and trades you may not have even thought of. Here you can be an auto technician, plumber or diver. They are the jobs on offer in the military with no skills. Could you do that in civilian life? No. Being good with an engine does not mean you are good in class. These are doors of opportunity If the military through necessity can make it work, who are these outside snobs who still believe that exams and results are the sole key to employment? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I find it incredible that within a few days of a report into the sinking of the Manawanui - a damning report that revealed the crew and the Commanding Officer of the Navy ship were under trained, ill-prepared, not up to the job, the boat wasn't up to the task it was doing when it grounded on a Samoan reef - we learn that the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has lowered its standards to make it easier for people to apply for a job. This is an RNZ story and documents obtained by RNZ show that last year the Defence Force quietly removed some entry requirements for NCEA levels 1 and 2, which you would have hardly thought were the most onerous of qualifications to get. To apply to train as an army combat specialist, an auto technician, a plumber, a Navy diver and logistics specialist, and an Air Force firefighter- among other roles - you'll now need three years of high school up to year 11, you don't have to pass Level 1 credits. The Defence Force says the changes prompted a surge in applications in 2024, however, it's unclear whether that surge is continuing or whether it has had a marked effect on enlistment numbers. The drop in standards - because however you dress it up, that's exactly what it is - came about because people were leaving the army in droves and bosses needed to get boots on the ground however they could. There's a great piece in North and South Magazine from 2023 looking at just this problem, the attrition within the Army and the decline in standards and the decline in it being an attractive career option. More than one in 10 military personnel left the organisation in 2023. In the interview with North and South, Chief of Defence Force Air Marshall Kevin Short, estimated that the attrition rate for the most skilled personnel was even greater, somewhere between 20 and 30 percent. So you're losing the experienced people, those who are able to be good leaders, they're going. It's almost certainly higher now. Short said “We cannot sustain that loss.” Then defence Minister Peeni Henare said these are some of the worst rates the Defence Force has seen in its history. The consequences of that, the Royal New Zealand Navy idled three of its nine ships for lack of people to crew them. A recent briefing to Henare explained that the NZDF was experiencing significant fragility and presumably the new Defence Minister, Judith Collins, has got that briefing as well. When asked whether Defence Force could maintain a peacekeeping operation in the South Pacific - the organization's most important task after after civil defence - Short says it would struggle. And that's despite the most significant boost to military spending in living memory. However, the boost - that money - was all spent on new planes, ships and vehicles. Money needed to be spent on them, you couldn't keep some of those planes in the air and the dear old Manawanui was bought and that disappeared. The problems causing the mass exodus of personnel weren't addressed. And that is the poor pay - they're about 7% to 16% percent less than civilian counterparts - substandard housing, the lack of career advancement and the lack of leadership. So those are the problems, that is why people are leaving. They can't see any way to advance their careers. It used to be a great career option - if you wanted to get you go to university, if you wanted to learn a trade, you'd join the forces, you'd have subsidised housing, you'd put in your service to the country, and in return you'd have a great career. You'd have options after you've done your time. If you decided to leave, you could go into Civvy Street, you'd be snapped up in no time because they knew that training was great, that you'd be a benefit to any organisation. That's just no longer there. The reason why people are leaving is the poor pay, the substandard housing, the lack of career advancement, the poor leadership. And that simply hasn't been addressed, other than to dumb down, lower and compromise standards. And we've seen what happens when you do that. Loose lips might sink ships, but so too do loose standards and loose training. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A retired lieutenant can't see how a boost in defence funding will fill missing skills and trades. New Zealand's injecting $12 billion into defence over four years – $9 billion of which is new spending. It includes enhancing our strike capabilities, replacing the Boeing 757 fleet, and upgrading our javelin anti-tank missiles. Retired Lieutenant Colonel Hayden Ricketts told Andrew Dickens the navy, army, and air force already have more vehicles than they can staff. He says a commitment to spend more money on gear is great but without more personnel, the plan will fall apart. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The news that New Zealand is going to spend 12 billion dollars on defence is not news to welcome, and yet it is welcome news. In an unsettled world, defence is essential. And the equation for a credible defence is spending 2 percent of GDP. So now within 8 years we'll get to that target - it's a doubling. The question is why we are only just doing this now. If we'd spent that for the past 30 years we would not be facing so dramatic a spend today. But we didn't. Fat and complacent in a mistaken belief that we were safe and sound, and if something went wrong our friends would come and save us. For as long as I've been in the news business, Australia and the States have warned that coat tailing did not cut it and that we had to do our bit. So fair play to Judith Collins, she's finally accepting the responsibility that we've always needed. But it comes at a difficult time. Firstly, the world has become more dangerous so time is of the essence. And secondly, we're broke. It comes at a time when barely reported mass redundancies are happening in defence to meet government spending targets. And yet they've also announced this new plan. They fire with one hand and employ with another. But you can argue that both are necessary because we've sat on our hands for so long. And we've spent irresponsibly. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand Defence Force is proposing to cut about 370 civilian roles. This is part of a major restructure and comes after 145 civilian workers took redundancy last year. Mission Homefront co-director retired Lieutenant Colonel Hayden Ricketts spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Almost 400 civilian New Zealand Defence Force jobs are set to go as part of a major restructure. NZDF staff were informed of the cuts today. This comes after 145 civilian workers took redundancy last year. Retired Lieutenant Hayden Ricketts says workload will increase for remaining staff, and the growing need for a strong defence force. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Government has raised concerns about China's warships in the Tasman Sea at the highest level, as our Defence Force continues to monitor the ships' movements. Foreign Minister Winston Peters has discussed the issue with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi during a meeting in Beijing. Former Defence Minister Andrew Little says it will have been a frank conversation. The Chinese Naval vessels are now moving west in Australia's exclusive economic zone, but Little told Andrew Dickens they still aren't in Australia's territorial waters. Little says China is following the law of the sea and will presumably seek permission before entering the 12-mile zone. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Defence Minister Judith Collins says it's time the government properly funded the New Zealand Defence Force, after what she says is 35 years of inadequate funding. It comes as the Chinese stage live-firing operations in the Tasman Sea, without having alerted the government first. To discuss the issue, Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Already, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is looking ahead to whenever a ceasefire might happen in Ukraine and has said that, if or when it does, he'd be happy to send troops in to keep the peace. It was too early for PM Christopher Luxon to confirm the Government's interest in sending troops to Ukraine once there's a ceasefire during his regular appearance on the Mike Hosking Breakfast this morning. Christopher Luxon says he'd be open to it. But, despite the New Zealand military's record of peacekeeping around the world, I hope we don't get involved in Ukraine. I know that with Britain talking about peacekeeping already, they'll be on the blower to Wellington at some point wanting us to join in. Just like they were last year about sending military personnel to help protect freight shipping in the Red Sea. You'll remember how we said, “yep no problem” and six of our soldiers went off to try and put the Houthi militia in its place. And, as I said at the time, I got what the Prime Minister, the Foreign Affairs Minister, and the Defence Minister meant when they said it was about New Zealand doing its bit. I still didn't agree with it, though. Which was based on previous experience. Essentially, when you get involved in a major military undertaking, you have no idea when it's going to end. The patrols in the Red Sea. Who knows when they're going to end? And who knows when any peacekeeping commitment in Ukraine would end? What's more, Europe is flooded with military capacity. There is no shortage. And there will be no shortage of countries willing to join Britain in Ukraine when the war ends and when peacekeeping support is needed. Since 1948, New Zealand troops and personnel have been involved in more than 40 peacekeeping missions in places like the Middle East, the former Yugoslavia, Somalia and Iraq. But our brilliant peacekeeping record doesn't mean we have to go running into Ukraine when the time comes. We need to be more picky about what peacekeeping work we get involved in because our military resources have become so depleted that we have to be realistic about what we can and can't do. I also think —and I'm not being alarmist or anything here— but I think we should narrow our focus and look at pretty much limiting our military's offshore activities to the Pacific region. I can't imagine the government —which likes to talk about New Zealand doing its bit globally— being too fussed with that idea. But I think we need to refine our approach and stop saying ‘yes' to requests from other countries every time the phone rings. Which is why if British prime minister Keir Starmer or US president Donald Trump or whoever is running Australia by the time a ceasefire in Ukraine happens, phones Wellington, I hope we have the fortitude to say we'd like to, but we can't. We can't because we don't have the military capacity. We can't because we've learned from past experience that, once you're involved in these things, it can be very hard to get out. And we can't, because our military needs to focus on stuff closer to home. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BussinessDesk reports sources say supply issues meant the country got down to its last 50 rounds of artillery ammunition. NZDF is adamant it has the stock it needs - but isn't answering whether supplies got so diminished. Former Defence Minister Wayne Mapp says if stocks get too low, training stops. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ACT Party argues the re-election of Donald Trump is another reason for New Zealand to ramp up its Defence spend. It's proposing an investment of at least 2% of GDP, with the current spend sitting at 0.9%. ACT's defence spokesperson Mark Cameron says the world is becoming a less safe and predictable place, and New Zealand needs to pull its weight in traditional alliances. He told Tim Beveridge that its incumbent on our crown to spend a bit more on investing in the men and women who wear our national colours every day to protect our national interests. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand Defence Force is making more cuts in a bid to help its nearly $130-million budget shortfall. Documents obtained by the NZ Herald under the Official Information Act show the NZDF is looking to scrap flu vaccines for all civilian staff, international travel for sports teams, some support to Gallipoli and staff gym memberships. The documents acknowledge the move could lead to “impact on morale and possible increased staff absence in the 2025 flu season”. Retired Lieutenant Colonel from Mission Homefront, Hayden Ricketts tells Tim Beveridge “this is just another series of symptoms from a defence force that is struggling to keep the aircraft flying, the ship sailing and the tanks driving”. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liz Gunn speaks to Matt & Daniel, two former NZDF soldiers who stood on their morals during the vaccine mandates and were fired from their positions. Here they provide the latest updates as they await the result from their high court challenge. Links: Matt's business - Perfect PC Our first interview in November, 2022 Details from interim court of inquiry report into HMNZS Manawanui incident released Excerpt from Court of Appeal ruling

While New Zealand's defence force deals with budget issues, lagging equipment, and the aftermath of the Manawanui, Defence Minister Judith Collins made it clear that NZDF still have the unwavering support of their minister. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The Defence Minister is appealing to high-tech firms' to engage with the NZDF by warning them of a rapidly deteriorating global security environment. Phil Pennington spoke to Corin Dann.

Divers from New Zealand and Samoa have been at the sunken HMNZS Manawanui all day working out how to seal three diesel leaks on the underside of the warship. The Manawanui ran aground on the Tafitoala Reef on the south west coast of Upolu on Saturday night then sank on Sunday morning and diesel has been leaking into the water ever since. Samoa's Marine Pollution Advisory Committee chair Fui Tupa'i Mau Simanu met with Maritime New Zealand and the NZDF this morning to confirm the next steps for stopping the leaks, RNZ's Susana Lei'ataua is in Apia and spoke to Lisa Owen.

The Defence Force has joined the US military in exercises using artificial intelligence-boosted weapons to speed up what they call "kill chains". Phil Pennington spoke to Corin Dann.

The Public Service Association says pay freezes and redundancies at the New Zealand Defence Force will affect its ability and capacity to operate. In an email to all staff on Wednesday, the Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Tony Davies told staff there's no money for base pay rises; there will be no increase in the number of uniformed staff; and civilians are being invited to apply for voluntary redundancy. Public Service Association assistant secretary Fleur Fitzsimons spoke to Corin Dann.

An international relations expert says pay freezes, and voluntary redundancies in the military will hamper its ability to deploy. In an email to all staff yesterday, the Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Tony Davies told staff there's no money for base pay rises; there will be no increase in the number of uniformed staff; and civilians are being invited to apply for voluntary redundancy. Victoria University centre for strategic studies senior fellow Dr Jim Rolfe spoke to Corin Dann.

On today's episode, Passengers on a terrifying Boeing 737 flight have spent the night in Invercargill. Flames were clearly seen coming from the aircraft as it gained altitude over the Shotover Delta. Queenstown Airport's chief executive shed some light on birdstrike in the area, and we heard from a pilot about how it feels inside the plane. In other plane news, Christopher Luxon's trade delegation finally made it to Tokyo after the NZDF plane transporting the group there broke down. We asked the Finance Minister if the plane is fit for purpose. Finally, Backyard granny flats may soon be much easier to build in a move from the government to scrap consents for that type of building. Housing Minister Chris Bishop explained the proposed changes.

The Prime Minister's business delegation is beginning its trip to Japan again, after a detour through Brisbane.   The group was stranded when their Air Force plane broke down in Papua New Guinea.   Chris Luxon took a commercial flight to arrive in Japan on time, and the trade group and media flew on to Australia, to take an Air New Zealand flight to Tokyo.  Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis-Allan “Nothing gives you more pride than when the Prime Minister steps off an RNZAF plane – you're not just waving the flag, it shows you're a capable country.”  Soper said “We used to lease planes from Qantas.”  He said “They are for transporting troops – not just the Prime Minister's entourage. That includes journalists – and publicity is very important to them.”  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government says sending troops to South Korea is good for their training.   New Zealand is sending 41 Defence Force personnel as part of the United Nations Command.  Defence Minister Judith Collins says they are mostly younger, less experienced members.  She told Mike Hosking that it's a good chance for those with a couple of years' service to work with other nations.  Collins says we're one of several other countries involved, so it's good for them to understand how we work with other nations.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 5th of June, we took a look at our mental health services in a big five-year report, and the Aussies seemingly stealing our NZDF personnel.  Police Commissioner Andrew Coster wants a change to our alcohol rules. Plus, Mike was curious what bike he drives.  Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell joined for Politics Wednesday, digging into the business meeting and youth crime on the rise.    Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, resources Minister Shane Jones released a draft strategy for mineral mining, aiming to double the amount of exports in the sector.  The strategy also mentioned "significant amounts of different types and grades of coal deposits" in Aotearoa, and aimed to align consents for coal to other minerals in order to increase coal extraction. In response, the Green party has created a petition, calling on the government to completely roll back on its coal mining initiatives and to protect the natural ecosystems of Aotearoa.  For their weekly catch up, Oto spoke to Green Party MP, Ricardo Menendez-March, to discuss the petition. We also had a conversation about the Defence Minister Judith Collins decision to extend New Zealand Defence Force deployments to the Middle East and Africa

A New Zealand Defence Force evacuation flight's en route to New Caledonia to pick up Kiwis stranded there due to riots and civil unrest Foreign Minister Winston Peters speaks to Lisa Owen.

The Government looks set to devolve large parts of the delivery of public housing to community housing and other social providers after a damning report into Kāinga Ora raised questions about its financial competence, showing it was staring down the barrel of a $700 million annual deficit.  Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking that the results of the review were worse than they thought.  “We had known from opposition that it was being abysmally managed,” he said.  “It is the biggest landlord in the country, a $45 billion enterprise and has a huge responsibility to Kiwis to deliver state housing and it has done a terrible job.”  Luxon said the responsibility sits with the board and the previous administration, which allowed it to run up $10 billion in debt.  “It had no plan to stop it getting to $29 billion in 10 years' time.”  He said the government is moving quickly to implement some of the report's recommendations such as refreshing the board and getting a turnaround in place.  Luxon said he was shocked when the board did not have a statement of financial position.  “When the board doesn't know to ask for that, that's a big problem. Clearly, the financial literacy was poor.”  When asked if the government would use community providers to build state housing, Luxon said organisations like the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, and Māori and iwi providers can do it at a lower cost.  “They also provide better pastoral care in those communities as well,” he said.  “I'm interested in providing more social housing, whether that comes from state houses via KO or community housing providers - the mix will be determined.  “Ultimately, there is a bigger role to play for community housing providers.”  Luxon said the government is still waiting for France's go-ahead before sending an NZDF plane into New Caledonia.  “We are waiting for the French authorities to deem that it is safe,” he said.  “The roading out to the airport in the past 48 hours has had issues in terms of security and unrest. It has to be safe when we move.  “All I can reassure you is we are ready to go. We can deploy NZDF assets, we have also explored other options such as commercial charters. We have been working incredibly well with the Australians.  Luxon said Foreign Minister Winston Peters is doing a brilliant job at pushing the French system in New Caledonia and Paris.  When asked whether the French are days away from giving the go-ahead, Luxon said it could well be, but the government, alongside the Australians, are pushing them.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Kiwi stuck in riot-stricken New Caledonia says they're dealing with a wait-and-see situation. The Defence Force is standing by for French authorities to green light flights to collect Kiwis. 231 are registered in the country. Alex Smeele says he's seen burnt out cars, a digger ripping up the road and flaming tyres on the verge. "I'm curious to understand the overall timeline on that - knowing how many planes will be coming." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's still no word on when Defence Force aircraft will be sent to retrieve tourists stuck in New Caledonia.  Commercial flights remain cancelled due to the unrest in Noumea; 231 Kiwis are registered as being there.  Defence Minister Judith Collins told Mike Hosking “The issue is that Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has to work with the French government.”  Collins said “Stay in your own home, don't go out unnecessarily and understand that help is coming.”  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Defence Minister says New Zealand never wants to go to war - but the geopolitical situation is unstable. The Government has revealed 571-million-dollars from the Budget will go into military coffers." Defence Minister Judith Collins told Heather du Plessis Allan “It is a significant amount, and defence force will come up with a plan for it." Collins said “Since I've been Minister I've seen a big drop in attrition and we need to see it going in the right direction.”  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has unveiled a 571-million-dollar funding boost over four years - including 163-million for bolstering pay. The rest will go towards upgrading tech and fleets - including the military's NH90 helicopters, and dated vehicles. Senior political correspondent Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis Allan “It's about interoperability with our defence partners." Soper said “If you look at our spend compared to theirs, it's small – this spend will bring us up to one percent of GDP.”  LISTEN ABOVE.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're joined on #PacificDays by Molimoli Tamale Electronic Warfare Specialist with the Royal NZ Navy to share their journey in the lead up to ANZAC Day 2024.  For more go to NZ Defence Force.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Panel Wallace is joined by panellists Leonie Freeman and Shane Te Pou discuss whether it's okay to pile up bags of dog poo in protest of bin removal. Plus, they discuss NZDF lost luggage on the way to Gallipoli ANZAC dawn service, and tracking down photos of all 100,000 people who served with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in World War I.

For the first time in history, the role of the New Zealand Defence Force in the Gallipoli ANZAC day dawn service is up in the air. Newshub's Europe correspondent Lisette Reymer spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Rugby league fans will be treated to a visually spectacular display from the New Zealand Defence Force when the Warriors play their Anzac Day NRL match in Auckland on Thursday afternoon. Lieutenant Mark Hadlow from the New Zealand Navy Reserve Forces spoke to Corin Dann.

On today's episode, the Labour Party says the government's first changes to the Resource Management Act are short-sighted, leader Chris Hipkins joins us, lawyers are pushing back against the Government's proposed anti-gang laws, Police Minister Mark Mitchell speaks to Corin Dann, the NZDF has lost their bags on their way to the ANZAC dawn service in Gallipoli, an ID card is found in Antarctica... 13 years after being lost, and Vera Ellen takes out the 2024 Taite Music Prize for her album Ideal Home Noise.

The coalition announced in January that the Defence Force would send a team of six to help plan strikes against Houthi rebels targeting ships, the deployment is part of a US-led operation to protect shipping in the Red Sea. Midday Report presenter Charlotte Cook spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Join host Paul Spain as he delves into the world of cybersecurity with Dan Richardson (CyberCX). They discuss the concerns about cybersecurity legislation and the technological advancements that are shaping the cybersecurity landscape in New Zealand and beyond. Plus a look at Tech News from the week including: NZDF testing of space hardware Westpac introduces fraud-busting tech...in Australia Successful human trial for Neuralink brain implant Big Tech's race to buy AI training data

Tonight on The Huddle, Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A and Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! Recent data has showed Kiwi students are among the worst-behaved in the developed world, with misbehaviour shooting up over the last couple of years. Why is this happening? Can it be addressed? Plans for a giant ocean sanctuary to protect marine life around the Kermadec Islands have been scuppered by the Government. Is this the right decision?  The NZDF has responded to criticisms over their Cyclone Gabrielle response- could they have done better? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand Defence Force has been on the receiving end of backlash amid claims they were underprepared to handle Cyclone Gabrielle. Documents claimed there were not enough resources, the water tanks dispatched weren't certified for drinking- and a lack of PPE meant personnel were unable to attend rescue efforts. Rear Admiral James Gilmour acknowledged the optics, but claimed the NZDF was required to follow the Health and Safety Act. "What we had was our people racing in with the best of intent- and our role within the Defence Force is to stay within the Health and Safety Act." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The political year has begun with a sharp focus on the new coalition government and te ao Māori. In the first pod back for 2024, Annabelle Lee-Mather, Ben Thomas and Toby Manhire discuss the messages from the packed Kiingitanga hosted hui ā motu and an unusually politically barbed Rātana. How is Christopher Luxon dealing with questions – and fury – over the Treaty Principles Bill agreed to as part of the deal with Act? Should David Seymour have shown up? And what is NZ First – the third bonce of what was called a “three-headed taniwha” – looking to gain? Also on GBL: Is New Zealand's deployment of NZDF to the Red Sea as part of the retaliatory action against Yemen's Houthis a smart move, and is it plausible to say there is no link to the Israeli action in Gaza? And the resignation of Green MP Golriz Ghahraman returns questions around mental health, abuse and responsibility to the foreground. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Six Defence Force specialists are off to the hot zone in the Middle East.  Judith Collins has been at pains to stress they won't be in combat roles, and won't be going into Yemen itself, where the Houthis are launching their attacks on shipping from.  The job is defined as helping to protect shipping routes and playing a part in bombing targets in those parts of Yemen under Houthi control.  We're being told it's wrong to conflate the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea with what's going on in Gaza.  Thing is, the Houthis do conflate those two, and their main backers —Iran— see Israel as the ultimate enemy.  So, effectively, by joining this US and UK coalition under the banner of protecting trade, whatever message we're intending to send is going to be perceived in a different way in that part of the world.  I'm not saying we shouldn't in the long term be looking to have closer ties with the US or the UK.  I think it would be to our advantage to negotiate a way into the AUKUS alliance, and to upgrade our military significantly in the ways that would require of us.  So, playing our part here is kinda timely.  But do we want to be at the beck and call of any other nation, especially when it comes to the Middle East?  Is getting involved in the attacks on the Houthis a contradiction of our stated position on Gaza?  I guess that depends on your position on that. But isn't perception the important thing here? How will our part be perceived in the Middle East?  So, in summary: do we need to show some solidarity with our traditional allies over the Red Sea attacks? well yes, we do. As a trading nation, we rely on safe shipping routes.  Do we need to have better ties with our traditional allies? Yes, it's a volatile world right now.  But we also need to remember that sometimes being a good ally is like being a good friend.  And sometimes being a good friend means confronting your friend and being prepared to speak your mind bluntly when what they're doing, or not doing, is wrong. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Burnham soldier is under investigation for alleged animal abuse including dumping a mistreated dog in a rubbish bin. The defence force has confirmed two dogs have been surrendered to the SPCA after they were found in poor condition at the military camp near Christchurch. One of them had been discarded in a recyling bin. The SPCA has confirmed the animals are alive and now receiving good care. Over the course of more than a week Checkpoint has been quizzing the Defence Force about what happened, it refuses to be interviewed. But here's what we know. Sociologist Prof. Nik Taylor from the Univeristy of Canterbuy has researched the link between the mistreatment of animals and other forms of violence. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6337122625112