New Zealand has raised defence spending in its latest budget.
Treasurer Nicola Willis unveiled in her 2026–27 Budget an extra NZ$1.58 billion (US$940 million) in defence funding as part of a broader NZ$3.5 billion spending package.
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The bulk of the latest tranche of money will be spent on drone systems, critical ship maintenance and work to replace the country’s aging naval fleet.
The Royal NZ Navy Ship HMNZS Te Mana. Courtesy NZ Defence Force
