Defence Force
Fallen soldier Rory Malone added to town's roll of honour
Malone was fatally shot in Afghanistan in 2012.
Access to space systems 'critical on the modern battlefield'
The Defence Minister has outlined an unprecedented half a billion dollars for space operations, as part of a new high-tech military push. Audio
Defence Minister has given OK for military to buy killer drones
The Defence Minister has given the OK for the military to acquire killer drones so long as a human is operating them and they only kill other soldiers. Phil Pennington reports. Audio
Who is the Defence Force spend-up meant to protect us against?
The government plans to pump billions into the Defence Force, but there are questions around just who it is the government thinks we might end up using the upgraded equipment against. Audio
New Zealand has joined the arms race, professor says
A $12 billion plan includes spending on "enhance combat capability, including strike capacity". Audio
Former soldier on defence spending boost
A former soldier and defence expert is hopeful the government's long-awaited Defence Capability Plan will help breathe new life and confidence into the country's defence forces. Retired Lieutenant… Audio
Govt announces $12 billion Defence Capability plan
The government is pumping $12 billion over the next four years into building a "modern, combat-capable" New Zealand Defence Force. Political Editor Jo Moir spoke to Alexa Cook. Audio
Defence Minister Judith Collins on defence funding boost
New missile systems, better strike capability and a focus on drones and new technology, those are just some of the features of the government's long-awaited Defence Capability Review. Defence Minister… Audio
Govt promises massive boost in defence spending
The coalition has promised a massive boost in defence spending up to levels not seen since the early 1990s, but there are still questions about where the money will come from. Political reporter… Audio
Govt to give Defence Force $12 billion funding boost
The government has unveiled plans to pump billions of extra dollars into the Defence Force to ensure its modern and combat capable. Former National MP and Defence Minister Wayne Mapp spoke to Corin… Audio
NZDF drops entry requirements to boost numbers
The Defence Force has made it easier for people to apply, and it's seeing a surge of applicants. Audio
Defence force removes academic requirements to boost recruits
The Defence Force has made it easier for people to apply for a job in a bid to get more boots on the ground. Ellen O'Dwyer spoke to Alexa Cook. Audio
Ukraine a case study in how NZ needs to change defence spending - Hipkins
The Labour leader says an increase in defence spending is justified regardless of whether New Zealanders support it or not. Audio
War hero Apiata entrusts MP Penk with Victoria Cross medal
The taonga comes with a request to redefine the meaning of a war veteran in legislation.
New Defence Force planes will need to be serviced in Australia
New Defence Force planes used for maritime patrol and submarine hunting will need to be sent to Australia for any servicing. Phil Pennington spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Defence Force can't service Poseidon planes, sends them to Australia
The agency knew when it spent $2.3 billion on the four Poseidons that servicing their high-tech complexity was beyond it.
Winston Peters stays mum over Washington DC meetings
The Foreign Minister is having one-on-one ministerial meetings ahead of making any public comment.
Cricket quips and Kiwi ships: Behind the scenes of Christopher Luxon’s India trip
Christopher Luxon's trip to India included the restart of trade talks, the tightening of defence ties, and more than a spot of cricket - RNZ's deputy political editor takes us behind the scenes.
Midday Report Essentials for Friday 21 March 2025
In today's episode, a security and defence expert says cuts to its civilian workforce risks the Defence Force's combat readiness; RNZ's money correspondent breaks down the distances between… Audio
Military robots and thinking trucks - the learning curve ahead for NZDF
"The NZ Army will observe and learn from our ally and partners."
