New Zealand’s Defence Minister, Judith Collins, has expressed her intention to raise the country’s defence spending, aligning with a broader push from the Trump administration for partner nations to enhance their military budgets. New Zealand spends just under 1 percent of its GDP on defense today. Collins thinks that this is simply not enough in light of the new global security environment. She pointed out that Australia and New Zealand have been relatively “slack” in their defence spending over the last 30 years.
Collins stressed the need for New Zealand to be more responsible for its own defence stock. To be clear, the United States has not explicitly requested that New Zealand increase its military spending. The minister understood the pressure this places on American taxpayers, who have long underwritten the defense requirements of allied nations such as New Zealand.
Commitment to Increase Defence Spending
Judith Collins announced that New Zealand aims to boost its defence expenditure to 2 percent of GDP within eight years. This commitment is a sign that we understand the new realities in global security. Most significantly, it points to the imperative for countries to give their fair share.
At present, Australia spends just under 2 percent of its GDP on defense. It would raise this number up to 2.3 percent, matching New Zealand’s scheduled increase. Collins was right to note that New Zealand’s military budget will always be smaller, in dollar terms, due to its much smaller economy. The government is continuing to pursue ways to go above the 2 percent target every time they can.
“So, I have a certain sympathy to everyone doing a little bit more.” – Judith Collins
Collins’ statements come amid increasing geopolitical tensions, particularly with China’s recent trade agreements in the Pacific region. She used the opportunity to attack China’s recent agreement with the Cook Islands on codifying rules over seabed minerals. She described it as a troubling harbinger that underscores the time imperative for more robust defense outlays in New Zealand.
The AUKUS Security Pact and Regional Stability
Collins is doting on the AUKUS deep security pact to the exclusion of practically all else. This significant pact includes Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. To date, New Zealand has not yet been invited to join Pillar Two of this agreement. Collins maintains a cautious optimism about what it could bring in terms of greater regional peace and stability.
She emphasized that the trilateral collaboration has the potential to be a key platform for deepening security cooperation across the Indo-Pacific region. Through bolstering defence connections between these allied nations, Collins feels that joint action can make a difference in how these nations work together to deter aggressive advances by rivals.
“Well, there we go, peace is broken out, no one’s going to be stupid.” – Judith Collins
Collins’ remarks underscore that New Zealand officials are becoming acutely aware of the strategic value of regional alliances. They highlight the need for new, proactive approaches to national defense policy.
Balancing Defence Needs and Global Responsibilities
Collins reiterated the point that American taxpayers have too often borne the brunt of the nation’s defense spending. He noted that this even includes countries like New Zealand. This recognition does serve to hold New Zealand accountable. We need to return to meaningful defence commitments and make greater investments in our military readiness.
The minister’s call for more spending can be seen as a reaction to greater global security threats – from state actors to domestic terrorism. Countries around the globe are rethinking their military spending priorities at a time of increasing hot spots around the world. Collins’ advocacy for enhanced military funding aligns with these shifting paradigms, reinforcing New Zealand’s commitment to being a responsible partner in global security.
As she takes stock of the future, Collins is focused not just on hitting that long-term goal of 2 percent.
“Looking to do more than that when we can.” – Judith Collins
