Defence Force

Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman has called a damning report on Defence Force cuts "old news" and claims the Force was already moving on.

The army denies it has been reckless after two fires were started on the same day during separate training exercises in hot, dry conditions.

Military bosses were told "it is important the RNZAF does not cover up" its illegal shipment of pyrotechnic canisters which endangered the lives of hundreds of passengers on an Air New Zealand flight.

Defence Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman arrived home from the Middle East this morning to confirm the Government has offered refuge in New Zealand to 23 interpreters currently employed by the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Bamiyan.

The incomes of about 80 Defence Force staff on overseas postings will be slashed from January next year when their cost of living allowances are cut.

The first of the Defence Force's new NH90 helicopters arrived in Wellington today.

A Defence Force aerobatic plane that flipped while making a forced landing on the Desert Road this afternoon sustained moderate damage.

The entire Defence Force will be reshaped by 2015 into what will be called a Joint Amphibious Task Force that will enable the army to deploy more people for longer in combat situations.

Defence Minister Wayne Mapp is defending the armed forces following a rash incidents that have raised questions about security, safety, and the behaviour of military staff.

Public Service morale is at rock bottom and dumping Defence Force military staff will make it even worse, a union says.