Paul Buchanan

The constant barrage of New Zealand not being capable or not spending enough on defense is finally being addressed in a more truthful light. We are a tiny country not a super power or for that matter an Australian sized country and population. The government rightfully or wrongfully allocates finances as they see fit without totally putting it's citizens on the edge of poverty.

On the Issue of NZ's Defence: "Beyond the unseemly spectacle of politicians using the commemorations of duty and sacrifice on ANZAC Day to score cheap partisan points on the issue of New Zealand’s defence, the question begs as to what, exactly, they are on about. The main complaint seems to be that New Zealand spends too little on defence (0.9% of GDP) when compared to Australia, the United States, United Kingdom, France or Germany. The inference is that New Zealand is not pulling its weight on matters of international security, and instead is sponging off the Australians while annoying the Americans. The trouble with these comparisons is that they are misleadin"