nz defence force

A combination of factors have combined to create a shortage in military personnel. 

In the 21 months to April this year, the New Zealand Defence Force lost almost a third of uniformed staff.  

It leaves gaps which mean three Navy patrol vessels and the Navy's main transport vessel can't be at sea because of safety issues.  

Auckland University Associate Professor of International Relations Stephen Hoadley told Tim Dower that this has been building gradually as the tempo of exercises has increased. 

He says then came Covid, which reduced training time and meant upgrading that should have happened, didn't. 

Hoadley says pay disparities between the public and private sector also play into it. 

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The Defence Force is getting a massive boost in pay to the tune of $419 million over four years.

Their earnings will increase between $4000 and $15,000 from July.

It comes as 10 percent of New Zealand's Defence Personnel hung up their boots in the past year.

The Defence Minister says that's about 800 people, and concedes Force pay rates have fallen behind comparable civilian roles.

Heather Roy was the Associate Minister of Defence under ACT between 2008 and 2010.

She's says higher salaries is not necessarily the answer. 

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