11 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1308 views
New Zealand and the United Kingdom have updated their defence cooperation statement to address current global challenges, such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine and strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific. The two countries aim to increase interoperability and support collective security to uphold the international rules-based order. They have agreed to explore new areas of cooperation, including innovation, defense industrial supply chains, and common equipment, to strengthen their partnership in the face of evolving threats.
09 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1212 views
Minister Judith Collins is representing New Zealand at the annual Five Country Ministerial meeting in London, where common issues and joint commitments among New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US are discussed. The meeting covers topics such as countering terrorism, state threats, border security, and tackling child sexual exploitation. Collaboration with UK counterparts and other Five Eyes partners is emphasized for enhancing safety and security on a global scale, highlighting New Zealand's dedication to global security efforts.
04 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1182 views
Defence Minister Judith Collins visited Ukraine and expressed New Zealand's unwavering support for the country in the face of Russia's illegal invasion. During her visit, she held talks with Ukrainian officials, visited sites impacted by the conflict, and emphasized New Zealand's commitment to the international rules-based order. Collins also visited Poland to strengthen ties with a key partner in Central and Eastern Europe before heading to the UK for defense and security-focused meetings, highlighting the importance of international partnerships in upholding global security.
28 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1298 views
New legislation introduced by Defence Minister Judith Collins allows the Chief of Defence Force to redeploy uniformed personnel to fill roles of striking civilian staff, ensuring national security during industrial action. The Defence (Workforce) Amendment Bill expands the Minister's authority to include instances where national security and core defence functions are at risk, such as security at military bases and aircraft maintenance. The bill aims to address challenges faced during previous industrial actions and will be open for public submissions when referred to a select committee in September 2025.
21 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1672 views
Seahawk helicopters and Airbus planes are set to replace aging New Zealand Defence Force aircraft as part of the Government’s Defence Capability Plan, with a $2.7 billion investment announced by Defence Minister Judith Collins and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters. The MH-60R Seahawk will replace maritime helicopters, while the Airbus A321XLR will replace the aging 757 fleet, aiming to enhance combat capability and respond to international events. These investments are part of the $12 billion planned commitments outlined in the 2025 DCP, reflecting the Government's response to the deteriorating security environment and the need for reliable aircraft for military operations and humanitarian aid.
14 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1488 views
Minister of Defence Judith Collins inaugurated the new headquarters of the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s No. 5 Squadron at Ohakea, housing four P-8A Poseidon aircraft. The facility, named Te Whare Toroa - The Home of the Albatross, offers modern infrastructure to support maritime surveillance, resource protection, and disaster response efforts. The project aligns with the Government's commitment to enhance Defence capabilities, with planned investments of $12 billion over the next four years and a focus on generating employment opportunities in regional economies.
13 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1528 views
The Government expresses disappointment over the secondary school teachers' union (PPTA) walking out of classrooms after only six days of bargaining, deeming their actions disproportionate despite a fair offer being made. Ministers Collins and Stanford highlight the disruption caused to student learning and families due to the strike, emphasizing the importance of constructive dialogue for a realistic settlement that supports teachers, students, and the public education system. The current offer includes a 3% increase over three years, reflecting fiscal constraints and past salary increases, with a call for the PPTA to return to the bargaining table for productive negotiations.
31 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2089 views
Legislation for public service overhaul emphasizing value for taxpayers has passed first reading, led by Public Service Minister Judith Collins. The Public Service Amendment Bill aims to enhance public service performance by clarifying its purpose and chief executives' responsibilities. The bill reinforces merit-based appointments, increases chief executives' accountability, and ensures a competitive selection process, maintaining political neutrality and professional standards for better taxpayer outcomes.
31 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2785 views
The FBI's upgraded Wellington office strengthens the Five Eyes partnership, enhancing safety and security for New Zealanders, as stated by Ministers Judith Collins and Mark Mitchell. The Ministers met with FBI Director Kash Patel, who opened the new office and discussed various key areas such as organized crime, counter-terrorism, and cyber-security. The visit emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in law enforcement efforts to combat crime and protect citizens, with Director Patel being the highest-ranking US official to visit New Zealand in recent times.
24 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2627 views
Tāwhaki Joint Venture received a $5.85 million boost to support the growth of New Zealand's space and advanced aviation sectors. The Government aims to create a world-class regulatory environment for advanced aviation by the end of the year. The funding will help Tāwhaki scale up operations, attract new customers, and strengthen New Zealand's position in the global advanced aviation sector.
23 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2034 views
New Zealand's Parliament has passed legislation under urgency to regulate ground-based space infrastructure, enhancing national security and protecting against foreign interference, according to Space Minister Judith Collins. The Outer Space High Altitude Activities Amendment Bill aims to ensure the safe and responsible use of space, with oversight and safeguards for satellite operations starting from 29 July. Operators will need to meet security requirements and undergo due diligence to obtain authorisation, with enforcement powers in place to address any national security concerns.
22 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2070 views
A bill to improve access to secondary legislation and digitize government services has passed its first reading, aiming to make legislation easier to find and comply with. Attorney-General Judith Collins highlights the importance of high-quality legislation that is easy to understand and use. The bill standardizes publication practices for secondary legislation and includes the redevelopment of the New Zealand legislation website to provide a one-stop shop for all legislation matters.
18 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2059 views
A cross-agency Anti-Corruption Taskforce pilot led by the Serious Fraud Office, supported by NZ Police and the Public Service Commission, aims to combat corruption and fraud risks in the public sector. The taskforce seeks to enhance New Zealand's reputation as a transparent and trustworthy place to invest by strengthening fraud prevention and detection systems within participating agencies. By promoting ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability, the taskforce aligns with the Government's efforts to maintain public trust and integrity in institutions.
10 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2045 views
New Zealand and Japan are developing a logistics agreement to support ongoing defence cooperation between our two countries, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins have announced. “Japan is a crucial partner for New Zealand,” Mr Peters says following a meeting with Japanese counterpart Iwaya Takeshi at the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur today. “We are both committed to the international rules-based system, and to maintaining security and prosperity in our region.
04 Jul 2025
1 year ago
3107 views
The Royal New Zealand Air Force has established its first dedicated space unit with the reactivation of the No. 62 Squadron today, Defence Minister Judith Collins says. “This reflects our commitment to protecting New Zealand’s interests and security in the rapidly evolving space domain,” Ms Collins says.