30 Sep 2009

Defence Force consultation meetings completed

11:22 am on 30 September 2009

A series of public consultation meetings about the future of Defence Force operations has been completed.

The last of 14 meetings across the country to consider the first Defence White Paper in more than a decade was held in Upper Hutt on Tuesday night

About 250 public submissions were heard at the meetings, putting forward ideas that included establishing a joint New Zealand/Australian military.

A greater air capability was also suggested along with the purchase of a third Navy frigate.

Submitters also thought the Defence Force could collaborate with computer companies and utilise high tech aircraft surveillance systems.

The Defence Force Review will be released next March.