New Zealand

The RNZAF will replace Boeing 757s with two Airbus A321XLRs under a $620M lease-to-buy deal, boosting range, efficiency, and capacity for global missions, disaster relief and Antarctic operations. Aircraft to be fully operational by 2028.

RNZAF NH90 helicopters set a new over-water distance record, flying 1,765 miles from Australia to New Zealand—with each aircraft carrying two 1,100lb external fuel tanks—demonstrating long-range self-deployment capability and crew proficiency.

Three Pacific states maintain ties with Taiwan. Pacific nations resisted pressure from Beijing to exclude Taiwan from regional talks, prompting Australia and New Zealand to defend the forum’s independence and urge respect for Pacific decision-making.

New Zealand faces a pivotal maritime choice—adopting the Mogami-class frigate alongside Australia could deliver interoperability, affordability, and enduring presence while reinforcing regional partnerships and resilience. The Ukraine war shows how quickly seas become contested.

New Zealand will invest $2.7 billion to modernise its Defence Force, acquiring five MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopters and two Airbus A321XLR aircraft. These assets will enhance combat, surveillance, long-range transport, and interoperability with allies.

Australia’s approach is through security and institutional partnerships; New Zealand via diplomatic ties and visa waivers. NZ faces diplomatic tensions with Kiribati and Cook Islands. The Pacific Island Forum could be a potential mediating body.

With public support, planned spending doubles over four years. Upgrades include anti-tank and drone defences, uncrewed vehicles, intelligence, cyber and modernised frigates. Trans-Tasman force integration a goal and emphasis on Five Eyes interoperability. AUKUS Pillar Two discussed.

Health and defence have been integrated into defence strategies in Canada, Britain, the US and New Zealand. Australia needs to do the same. Ignoring this link weakens preparedness in an increasingly unpredictable global landscape.

Recent changes to the official veteran definition- recognising about 100,000 more people- brings hope but highlights a long history of neglect. Veterans exposed to atomic tests still uncompensated and Agent Orange health impacts faced slow acknowledgment.

The Plan includes a 15-year outlook, but focuses on the next 4 years of critical investments to respond to strategic changes globally. Interoperability with Australia across multiple domains is heavily featured.

The US Navy’s MQ-4C Triton fleet will undergo maintenance and repairs at RAAF Base Edinburgh, demonstrating Australia’s capacity to support complex aerospace sustainment operations. New Zealand has confirmed a similar intent for their Poseidon fleet.

A Royal New Zealand Air Force Seasprite helicopter fired the missile which replaces Mavericks in the helicopter-borne anti-ship role- enhancing maritime strike capability and supporting international security operations in the Middle East.

China’s growing ties with Kiribati and the Cook Islands challenge New Zealand’s confrontational Pacific diplomacy and risk straining regional relations. However, Australia has managed to maintain trust with its Pacific neighbors despite similar challenges.

Australia’s defence planning offers a valuable model for NZ’s defence plan modernisation. Warning time assessments should include economic and trade risks, noting geography affects South Pacific security. Would a joint New Zealand-Australia amphibious force increase capability?

The Royal New Zealand Navy is acquiring two vessels of the same class as Australia’s 12 Bluebottle’s. They can be launched from a standard boat ramp by an SUV and fit into a 40ft shipping container.

As the start of a multi-phase Unimog and Pinzgauer fleet replacement program, NZ's Army will receive 60 modern light and medium utility vehicles improving interoperability with allies, including NATO. NZ$100 million cost.

Utilising biogas systems, floating solar panels, and heat capture in wastewater ponds offers New Zealand a cost-effective, continuous renewable energy solution. Data optimisation in biogas membrane covers generates year-round energy while floating panels reduce algae growth and methane combustion produces usable excess heat.

New Zealand is investigating the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui, which struck a reef in Samoa, raising serious environmental concerns due to potential oil spills.

The 2024 Security Threat Environment report emphasises rising risks from foreign interference, espionage, and violent extremism—posing both external and internal threats that demand enhanced countermeasures.

This article argues the New Zealand–US component of the ANZUS Treaty has been revitalised.

Stronger collaboration with Australia likely to enhance regional security.

A remote corner of southwest New Zealand faced a costly, but vital, battle against invasive predators to protect its unique biodiversity.

On 25 April 1915, ANZAC troops from Australia and New Zealand went ashore at ANZAC Cove in Gallipoli.

Australia's naval expansion offers a chance for New Zealand to cooperate on frigate replacement, potentially boosting capability and interoperability.

Australia, New Zealand, the US, France, the UK, and Japan are reengaging with the Pacific Islands, but better clarity and coordination are required.

The "Zone" aims to mitigate US-China competition. Mr. Rabuka also pursued stronger ties with Australia and New Zealand, signifying a departure from contentious Chinese agreements.

During the summit Australian and US intelligence chiefs criticized China for massive intellectual property theft.

The battles fought on the beaches of Gallipoli, Turkey, in 1915 brought the new Australian nation together and established the military reputation of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC).

A single film revived interest in the Gallipoli story. It stirred emotion and shaped how Australians saw sacrifice and service. It also showed how art can influence public memory and national values.