The National Party has committed to keeping all Defence bases open, and says it will strengthen and modernise the force.
Jonathan Coleman. Photo: RNZ
The party's defence policy, released by spokesperson Jonathan Coleman in Palmerston North today, does not contain any new promises but confirms it will continue in the direction it has set.
In 2010, the Defence White Paper recommended consolidating the Central North Island defence 'hub' at Ohakea, which would have included moving Linton.
Dr Coleman said this was looked at, but after the Christchurch earthquake the Government realised it was important to be able to deploy from anywhere in the country.
"After that experience, we looked at the footprint and said this is actually what is needed right across the country, especially here in the Manawatu it became clear that it made sense to keep Linton and Ohakea with their existing footprint."
Defence Force camps and bases also play a crucial role in regional economies and are another reason to keep them all open, he said.
