New Zealand First is appalled at the level of naivety displayed by the Government as evidenced by its Defence Report released today, said Ron Mark MP, Defence Spokesman.

“Possibly the greatest threat to our country, a small independent sovereign State, lies at this moment in the threat created by the thought that there simply is no threat!

“New Zealand does hold a good deal of interest to several nations due to its natural wealth, strategic location, its sparsely populated lands and even climate. We are in every sense a significant food producer to the world.

“To diminish our Airforce and Navy to what is merely a fisheries monitoring role, ignores the lessons taught to us throughout our short history and serves to signal to others that as we see no risk to our security, we are ripe for the taking,” Mr Mark continued.

“$2 billion over 10 years is not sufficient to meet our Defence requirements and obligations to our neighbours within our region, and our country’s defence plan must match our economic plan for ongoing growth,” claimed Mr Mark.

“What is proposed within the report is the most minimal possible and spending on our Defence requirements must move to at least 2% of our gross domestic product without delay.

“There are three fundamental tenets to a successful democracy; an independent Judiciary to administer our laws, a fair and honest Police service to deal with unrest or disorder within our borders and a well equipped and trained military Defence Force to deter others from without” he said.

“The Government through this somewhat weak report, has placed one of those most fundamental ingredients in jeopardy,” concluded Mr Mark.

Ends.

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