Kia ora and welcome to the Winter 2024 edition – and 32nd issue – of Line of Defence Magazine!
In this extended 60-page digital edition, we’re privileged to be joined by New Zealand Defence Minister Judith Collins and Labour Spokesperson for Defence Peeni Henare, Police Minister Mark Mitchell, and Labour Spokesperson for Police Ginny Andersen.
Minister Collins lays out Budget 2024’s Defence projects, writing that amid regional instability the NZDF needs to be able to work closely with international partners, using assets and equipment that operate effectively and communicate securely. Former minister Henare argues that the Budget fails to provide the new investment necessary to address the challenges.
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Editor-at-Large Dr Peter Greener is back on deck, writing that with a challenging economic outlook, there has been no indication of a commitment to anything like the amount of money necessary for the replacement of essential defence capabilities. Senior Contributor Dr Wayne Mapp argues that the quantum of investment needed means that the need for substantial new expenditure goes well beyond the current government.
“In this interview, Richard explains why Philippines holds the South China Sea cards over China as a US ally and danger-close neighbour of Taiwan.”
Fellow Senior Contributor Andy Watts suggests that the Australian surface combatant review’s recommendations around Tier 2 general purpose frigates pose interesting questions for New Zealand, including whether to join the Tier 2 program. And Contributor Ross Browne provides some insights from the recent Centre for Strategic Studies’ (CSS) maritime security symposium in Wellington
In International Security, I was delighted to sit down for a chat with Southeast Asia and global affairs extraordinaire Richard Heydarian just a day after he spoke at the CSS event. In this interview, Richard explains why Philippines holds the South China Sea cards over China as a US ally and danger-close neighbour of Taiwan.
In Homeland Security, Mark Mitchell outlines the government’s law and order agenda, including new legislation, more beat officers, and more new recruits. Ginny Andersen argues that youth crime will be dealt a major blow if government starts to take family violence seriously. We’re also joined again by Senior Contributor Dr John Battersby, who asks some tough but necessary questions around He Whenua Taurikura.
“Senior Contributor Dr John Battersby… asks some tough but necessary questions around He Whenua Taurikura.”
All this, and much more in this issue of Line of Defence, including some excellent contributions from sponsors EOS, Nova Systems, GA-ASI, and Babcock.
Lastly, a big congratulations to all the Women in Security Awards Aotearoa 2023-24 winners: LTCOL Laura Cranston, Chief Customs Officer Janna Binning, Detective Beth Bates, Tegan Wedderburn, Gina Lindsay-Crawford, Catherine Abel-Pattinson, COL Mel Childs, and Inspector Juanita (Whiti) Timutimu. Details inside!
If you feel you’ve got something to contribute to the conversation, we’d love to hear from you! We need new and disruptive voices to explore, investigate, and challenge the big issues facing Aotearoa New Zealand’s defence and national security – and Line of Defence provides the platform!
Nicholas Dynon, Auckland.
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