Articles tagged with Defence Minister
Australia-New Zealand 2026 Joint Defence Statement: Strengthening ANZAC Alliance to 2035
1 month ago | 316 viewsThe Australia-New Zealand Alliance, rooted in over a century of shared military history and formalized by the 1951 ANZUS Treaty, is being operationalized with a vision to create a seamlessly integrated, combat-capable force by 2035 while respecting sovereignty. Key efforts focus on enhancing force posture cooperation, combined operations and exercises, defence industry integration, and regional security, particularly in the Pacific, to address evolving security threats and strengthen collective deterrence. Implementation will be guided by established policy frameworks and working groups, with ongoing reviews through the ANZMIN dialogue to adapt and advance the Alliance’s objectives.
Tags: Richard Marles Judith Collins ANZAC ANZUS Treaty Australia New Zealand TALISMAN SABRE Pacific Response Group South Pacific Defence Ministers’ MeetingAustralia-New Zealand Joint Defence Statement 2026: Strengthening ANZAC Alliance to 2035
1 month ago | 212 viewsThe Australia-New Zealand Alliance, rooted in over a century of shared military history and formalized by the 1951 ANZUS Treaty, is being operationalized with a vision to create a seamlessly integrated and combat-capable Anzac force by 2035. This involves enhancing force posture cooperation, combined operations and exercises, defence industry integration, and resilience to address evolving security threats while respecting both nations' sovereignty. Additionally, the partnership emphasizes strengthening Pacific security through increased interoperability and support for regional defence initiatives, with ongoing implementation overseen by dedicated working groups and the ANZMIN framework.
Tags: Richard Marles Judith Collins ANZAC ANZUS Treaty Australia New Zealand TALISMAN SABRE Pacific Response Group South Pacific Defence Ministers’ MeetingNZ and Australia Ministers Meet in Canberra to Strengthen 75-Year Alliance
1 month ago | 214 viewsForeign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins will attend the third annual Australia and New Zealand Foreign and Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ANZMIN) in Canberra to strengthen their strategic partnership. Marking 75 years of the New Zealand-Australia Alliance, they will discuss shared approaches to foreign policy, security, and defence amid increasing instability in the Indo-Pacific and globally. The ministers will also hold bilateral meetings with their Australian counterparts to address issues including cooperation in the Pacific and Antarctica.
Tags: Winston Peters Judith Collins Penny Wong Richard Marles ANZMIN New Zealand Australia Foreign Policy Defence MinistersNew Military Health and Performance Centre Opens at Burnham Camp for NZDF
1 month ago | 318 viewsA new Military Health and Performance Centre, Tû Manawa Ora, has opened at Burnham Military Camp to enhance the health, wellbeing, and operational readiness of New Zealand Defence Force personnel by providing comprehensive medical, rehabilitation, psychological, and training services under one roof. The $22 million facility, completed in 18 months, aims to set a new standard for military healthcare infrastructure, supporting both prevention and treatment to improve retention and performance. Strategically located at the largest South Island military base, the centre reflects a strong commitment to caring for Defence personnel throughout their service and beyond.
Tags: Chris Penk New Zealand Defence Force Burnham Military Camp Tû Manawa Ora Hawkins New Zealand Ernst & Young GHD NZ Beca Defence Estate and Infrastructure Associate Defence MinisterNew Zealand Modernises Military Justice System with New Discipline Law Amendment Bill
2 months ago | 371 viewsThe Armed Forces Discipline Law Amendment Bill aims to modernize New Zealand’s military justice system by making it fairer, more efficient, and transparent, aligning it with civilian justice developments. It introduces a Minor Discipline Sanction System for low-level offenses, streamlines serious cases to Court Martial, enhances search powers with better protections, and expands rights such as trial by Court Martial and drug testing. These reforms ensure stronger discipline and operational readiness within the Armed Forces while upholding high standards for personnel.
Tags: Judith Collins New Zealand Armed Forces Military Justice System Defence Minister Court Martial Director of Military Prosecutions Armed Forces Discipline Law Amendment Bill Minor Discipline Sanction System Bill of Rights ActNZ Extends Defence Liaison Officer Deployment in Israel Amid Gaza Crisis
2 months ago | 436 viewsNew Zealand has extended the deployment of its Defence Force liaison officer to Israel by three months, until May 3, 2026. The extension aims to enhance understanding of the evolving and complex situation in Gaza as the peace plan progresses. The liaison officer will remain based in the US-led Civil Military Coordination Centre to inform future decisions on New Zealand’s contributions.
Tags: Judith Collins New Zealand Defence Force Gaza Israel NZDF liaison officer Defence Minister Civil Military Coordination Centre peace plan deployment extension New ZealandDefence Minister Judith Collins to Visit Japan for Key Security Talks
4 months ago | 577 viewsDefence Minister Judith Collins will visit Japan tomorrow to engage in defence and security discussions with Japanese officials, including Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Foreign Affairs Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. She emphasized the importance of Japan as a key partner for New Zealand, both committed to international order and stability. Collins aims to strengthen the close relationship between the two countries during her visit, returning to New Zealand on 20 December.
Tags: Judith Collins Shinjiro Koizumi Toshimitsu Motegi Defence Minister Japan New Zealand Tokyo regional security international order stabilityNew Zealand Extends Defence Liaison Officer Deployment to Israel for Gaza Peace Efforts
4 months ago | 466 viewsNew Zealand has extended the deployment of a Defence Force liaison officer to Israel for an additional eight weeks to enhance understanding of coordination efforts on the ground. The deployment aims to gather information to better assess future options for supporting sustained peace in Gaza. The liaison officer continues to operate within the US-led Civil Military Coordination Centre, with no decisions made beyond this extension.
Tags: New Zealand Defence Force Israel Judith Collins Gaza Defence Minister liaison officer Civil Military Coordination Centre deployment peace governmentDefence Minister Opens $58M Burnham Army Maintenance Facility and Logistics Hub
4 months ago | 410 viewsDefence Minister Judith Collins inaugurated a $58 million Army maintenance support facility at Burnham Military Camp, enhancing equipment repair capacity and safety, delivered ahead of schedule and under budget. Construction also began on an $82.7 million multi-functional regional supply facility at Burnham, which will serve as a modern logistics hub and provide around 600 jobs during its development. Both facilities are part of the New Zealand Defence Force’s Consolidated Logistics Project, aimed at upgrading logistics infrastructure across Burnham and Linton Military Camps to support operational readiness and personnel.
Tags: Judith Collins New Zealand Defence Force Burnham Military Camp Linton Military Camp Defence Capability Plan Consolidated Logistics Project Regional Logistics Centre Army maintenance support facility Defence Minister Defence logisticsNew Zealand Passes Defence Bill to Protect Security During Industrial Action
4 months ago | 509 viewsThe Defence (Workforce) Amendment Bill, passed to maintain national security during industrial action, allows the Chief of Defence Force greater flexibility to manage workforce redeployment without requiring parliamentary debate. It enables uniformed personnel to temporarily perform the duties of civilian staff during strikes, ensuring critical defence functions continue while preserving the right to industrial action. The Bill also streamlines authorisation processes and extends ministerial powers to backfill public servant roles, enhancing New Zealand’s defence readiness amid a challenging strategic environment.
Tags: Judith Collins New Zealand Defence Force NZDF Defence Minister Parliament industrial action national security Defence (Workforce) Amendment Bill military personnelDefence Minister Judith Collins Heads to ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Kuala Lumpur
5 months ago | 478 viewsDefence Minister Judith Collins is traveling to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus to discuss defense and security issues, marking the 50th anniversary of New Zealand's dialogue relations with ASEAN and the 15th anniversary of the ADMM-Plus. The forum aims to enhance Indo-Pacific defense cooperation for peace, stability, and prosperity, with Ms. Collins emphasizing the importance of international rules-based order and New Zealand's contributions. In addition to the meeting, she will engage in bilateral discussions with defense counterparts before returning to New Zealand on 3 November.
Tags: Defence Minister Judith Collins Kuala Lumpur Malaysia ASEAN New Zealand Hanoi Vietnam national securityNew Zealand Defence Industry Strategy: Boosting Local Businesses and Resilience
6 months ago | 650 viewsNew Zealand's Defence Industry Strategy aims to support local businesses in delivering defence equipment and infrastructure, aligning with the 2025 Defence Capability Plan to double defence spending. The strategy emphasizes building a resilient industry to mitigate global tensions and enhance economic growth through collaboration with Kiwi innovators and major suppliers. Key actions include requiring multinational companies to partner with local businesses, establishing a Technology Accelerator, and creating offshore opportunities for showcasing New Zealand-made innovations to international partners.
Tags: Defence Minister Judith Collins Associate Defence Minister Chris Penk Defence Industry Strategy New Zealand industry Defence Capability Plan economy innovation technology suppliersNew Zealand Army Enhances Combat Capability with $104M Investment in Hi-Tech Communications Systems
6 months ago | 653 viewsThe New Zealand Army is receiving a $104 million investment in modern digital communications devices and systems to enhance combat capability and interoperability with international partners. Defence Minister Judith Collins emphasized the importance of equipping soldiers with up-to-date technology in a rapidly changing global environment. The investment, part of the Network Enabled Army programme, will provide military grade radio systems, deployable network infrastructure, and specialized communications devices to support real-time decision-making and information sharing among personnel.
Tags: New Zealand Army digital communications devices Defence Minister Judith Collins military grade radio systems deployable network infrastructure Network Enabled Army programme secure voice data communicationsDefence Ministry Launches Major Housing Project for Military Families
6 months ago | 684 viewsThe largest Defence housing project in decades has begun, providing modern homes for military families and generating job growth in regional communities, as announced by Associate Defence Minister Chris Penk. The initiative aims to replace outdated homes at various NZDF camps and bases with modern two- and three-bedroom houses to support the wellbeing of military families. The Government plans to invest up to $600 million in the Homes for Families program, with construction already underway at several locations and future projects in the pipeline to improve housing for Defence personnel.
Tags: Defence housing project military families job growth Chris Penk Defence Minister NZDF Homes for Families programme Defence Capability Plan Linton Military Camp Royal New Zealand Air ForceNew Zealand and UK Strengthen Defence Cooperation Amid Global Threats
7 months ago | 699 viewsNew 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.
Tags: New Zealand United Kingdom Defence Minister Judith Collins Russia Ukraine Middle East John Healey Joint Statement