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Chancellor Morva Croxson, Professor McWha, Professor Fraser, Massey staff, those about to graduate, and honoured guests.

Members and families of the Fourth Battalion Group, my parliamentary colleagues, Worship Jill White, senior officers, Major-General Dunne, Lieutenant Colonel Peter Wood, Regimental Sergeant Major Warrant Officer Henry Hollis, other distinguished guests

Thank you for inviting me to this special commemoration weekend.

Government Defence Statement

A Modern, Sustainable Defence Force Matched To New Zealand's Needs

8 May 2001

Executive
Summary

The government today announced a comprehensive plan to build a modern, efficient and high quality defence force to meet New Zealand's strategic needs and enable New Zealand to contribute usefully to international operations in which it engages.

There are regional development opportunities for the Manawatu region arising from today's defence announcements, said Minister of Defence Mark Burton.

There are regional development opportunities for West Auckland arising from today's defence announcements, said the Minister of Defence Mark Burton.

The government is today announcing a defence plan, which will ensure New Zealand has a modern, sustainable defence force, matched to New Zealand's needs.

The Government has approved the return to Solomon Islands next week of the Navy's frigate HMNZS Te Mana, the Minister of Defence Mark Burton announced today.

"The pay and allowance adjustments announced today are recognition of the fact that the greatest assets of the New Zealand Defence Force are its people," the Minister of Defence Mark Burton said.

Prime Minister Helen Clark and Defence Minister Mark Burton have extended their sympathies to the family and colleagues of the naval technician who died today on board the HMNZS Te Mana.

The Minister of Defence Mark Burton has warmly welcomed the announcement from Singapore that a 70-strong infantry combat group from the Singapore Armed Forces will join the next New Zealand Battalion in East Timor.

The Minister of Defence Mark Burton says there is nothing at this time to indicate any specific safety issue with the RNZAF Skyhawk fleet, or any connection between three recent incidents.

Prime Minister Helen Clark and Defence Minister Mark Burton said tonight they were very sorry to learn that a New Zealand soldier had died while apparently swimming in the sea near Dili, East Timor.

Prime Minister Helen Clark and Defence Minister Mark Burton today conveyed their sympathy to the families of a New Zealand military liaison officer and the Americans killed during a training exercise in Kuwait.

New Zealand is to send an observer to the United States Accident Investigation Board which will inquire into today's fatal training accident in Kuwait, the Minister of Defence Mark Burton said.

An Air Force surveillance flight has confirmed that a nuclear waste shipment passing through the Tasman Sea has remained in International waters, the Minister of Defence Mark Burton announced today.

The National Party's spokesperson on Defence cannot be taken seriously when he talks of boosting Defence spending, the Minister of Defence Mark Burton said.

Defence Minister Mark Burton has extended his sympathy and deepest condolences to the family of Squadron Leader Murray Neilson, who was killed today while piloting a A4-K Skyhawk in Australia.

Claims that there has been an unnecessary delay in seeking a United Nations compensation payment for the family of a New Zealand soldier who died while on active duty in East Timor are completely unfounded, the Minister of Defence Mark Burton said.

The Minister of Defence Mark Burton is leading a delegation to East Timor this week.

The Minister's party includes Auckland Central MP Judith Tizard, Rangitikei MP Simon Power, and the Mayor of Palmerston North Jill White.

Prime Minister Helen Clark today signed the contract for the New Zealand Army's biggest equipment purchase for 30 years – 105 new light armoured vehicles.

The investigation into the possible risk to New Zealand personnel from exposure to expended depleted uranium munitions is proceeding with some urgency, the Minister of Defence Mark Burton said.

The Minister of Defence Mark Burton said the New Zealand Army is enlisting four experienced officers who have served with Fiji's military forces.