Our distance from other countries has not changed, of course. But the world has metaphorically been getting smaller, as a consequence of technology and faster aircraft — not necessarily benevolent ones flying people off on business or to have a holiday.
We used to be unshakably confident in knowing we would have robust defence cover from our closest allies and friends should any nefarious party attempt to breach our sovereignty. It would be fair to say that in recent times that is another buffer which has become less assured.
With so many regions of the world in turmoil, and fewer guarantees that another nation would immediately be able to leap to our defence, we can no longer have faith that our antiquated and rundown defence capability will go anywhere near deterring others and keeping us safe.
It was encouraging last week to hear details of the first purchases of the boosted Defence Capability Plan announced in April. Over the next few years, five new MH-60R Seahawk helicopters worth $2 billion are expected to replace the current Seasprite fleet, while two extended-range Airbus A321XLR aircraft will help support trips to the Antarctic and allow the breakdown-prone Boeing 757s to finally take a well-deserved retirement.
The capability plan allows for the disbursement of $12b across four years, $9b of which is new money. The government says the programme will lift defence spending from about 1% of gross domestic product to more than 2% during the next eight years.
Defence Minister Judith Collins was visibly very excited at the announcement of the new craft. She had with her a model Seahawk, brought along by members of the Defence Force, and showed it off to journalists before heading into the House.
Then followed shades of school playtime, as the model got passed around the government benches. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith was especially taken with the rotors and Speaker of the House Gerry Brownlee said it would make a great addition to someone’s desk.
The enthusiasm is good to see. Despite the views of some that the defence upgrade is money wasted when there are so many other areas crying out for this amount of funding, we are wise to watch out, and do as much as a small nation realistically can, to ensure our future security.
The carnival is over
Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ quip when he announced he was recalling Trevor Mallard from his post as Ambassador to Ireland appeared to go over the heads of many of the assembled Press Gallery journalists.
"You know that famous song from The Seekers? The carnival’s over," Mr Peters said to a largely puzzled silence, immediately cementing the large age gap between many New Zealand First supporters and those who report on parliamentary affairs.
It’s a great song and a good metaphor. But it’s a reminder how quickly generations replace one another. Many of us will recall a grandparent singing a song or mentioning an actor from their youth whom we have never heard of. And now, so soon, we sometimes find ourselves doing the same.
Mr Mallard’s term in Dublin was due to end early next year, so the recall is just a matter of bringing him home a few months’ early.
It’s a largely symbolic move from Mr Peters, a flexing of the Foreign Minister’s muscles mixed with a touch of payback for an old adversary, who, he reminds us, as Speaker of the House made determined efforts with irritating music and cold water to get rid of those at the February 2022 occupation of Parliament.
Mr Peters makes a very good point that cronyism in such diplomatic appointments should not be tolerated when diplomats are trained for years and gain decades of experience in preparation for such roles.
However, the move looks like one designed to draw attention away from other issues and leaves a bad taste in the mouth with its apparent pandering to the anti-Covid-19 mandate protesters whom Mr Peters adopted during the occupation.
