N. Zealand military 'not in a fit state', government says
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The New Zealand government admits that its military is afflicted with issues and is unprepared for future challenges.
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Prime Minister of New Zealand Chris Hipkins speaks to the media after meeting Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in Downing Street, in London, Friday, May 5, 2023. (AP)
New Zealand's government said Friday that its military has aging equipment and difficulties recruiting personnel, stressing the need for a revamp.
According to a policy review given by Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and Defense Minister Andrew Little, the South Pacific nation's roughly 15,000-strong defense force "is not in a fit state to respond to future challenges."
The evaluation reveals that New Zealand's military is geared around a "relatively benign strategic environment" rather than the region's actual difficulties, which include climate-related challenges and fierce strategic competition between China and the West.
Little stated that New Zealand must invest in a "combat-capable" force and cannot rely on its remoteness to protect it.
"The changes in the domestic and international security environment mean our response and preparedness must change too," Little told reporters Friday.
"We must be prepared to equip ourselves with trained personnel, assets and material, and appropriate international relationships in order to protect our own defense and national security."
What's New Zealand's role in AUKUS?
The declaration comes as talks about New Zealand's potential position in the AUKUS alliance, a landmark deal between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States aimed at combating China's influence in the Pacific, heat up.
New Zealand has been walking gingerly around the pact, aiming to avoid upsetting its major trading partner, Beijing. However, Hipkins stated late last month that New Zealand was "open to conversations" about a possible role in elements of the accord that would not jeopardize its nuclear-free status.
Working with the other partners on military technologies such as cyber, artificial intelligence, and hypersonic weapons – the agreement's so-called "pillar two" – would be required.
New Zealand stated that it will attempt to increase its presence in the Pacific, become the preferred partner for Pacific states, and contribute to the region's resilience to security and climate-related risks.
The country is responsible for the protection of Tokelau, the Cook Islands, and Niue, all minor Pacific nations, in addition to its own defense, although its only recognized ally is its much larger neighbor, Australia.
