The New Zealand Defence Force has paid $5.2 million in redundancy to personnel as a result of turning military positions into civilian jobs.
Defence conducted its first round of job cuts this year in an attempt to save about $23 million.
Radio New Zealand's defence reporter says 304 personnel were advised they would be discharged and some of those roles would be done by civllians.
Of these, 155 reapplied for a civilian role while 147 personnel chose to take redundancy.
On average, a military employee costs nearly $21,000 more per annum than a civilian.
Defence says the process has saved $16.6 million so far.
The second round of the process begins early next year.
