Judith Collins: Defence Minister on the $12 billion budget for defence

The Government's promising to spend big in areas of defence, including improving its fleet in the air, and on the land, and sea. 

The long-awaited Defence Capability Plan was released yesterday afternoon, with $12 billion worth of public spending across four years – $9 billion of which is deemed new spending. 

It includes plans to bring defence spending up to two percent of GDP, with procurement for maritime helicopters, vehicles, and a replacement plane fleet. 

The Defence Minister is confident in the work done by Finance Minister Nicola Willis, reassuring they’re not spending money New Zealand does not have.  

Judith Collins is also standing by changes making it easier to enter the armed forces. 

Since last year most Defence Force roles now only require three years of high school to Year 11, instead of passing Level One credits. 

More technical roles now only require a Level Two certificate. 

Collins told Mike Hosking being smart academically is helpful but isn't the first port of call. 

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