2016 Defence White Paper released
The Defence White Paper 2016 was released on 8 June 2016. It sets out the Government’s expectations for Defence over the coming decades and outlines a modernisation plan worth nearly $20 billion to ensure that the New Zealand Defence Force has the capabilities and major military equipment it needs to meet the country’s security and defence challenges.
The White Paper outlines current plans to replace or enhance our existing major capabilities such as the ANZAC frigates, and strategic and tactical airlift capability, as well as investing in new capabilities. The Defence Force will continue to work with other government agencies to protect and advance our national security interests in New Zealand, the South Pacific and around the world. The protection of Southern Ocean resources and supporting our civilian presence in Antarctica also feature more prominently in this White Paper than in the past.
The White Paper was developed in close consultation with other government agencies, members of the Ministerial Advisory panel and the public.