New Zealand's military is in line for an overhaul of its operations as the Government seeks to make savings of at least $50 million a year.
Defence Minister Wayne Mapp says the release of a White Paper outling the future of the forces will be delayed by six months as a cost-cutting exercise gets under way.
Mr Mapp says up to $70 million will be moved from back office to frontline services.
He says that, as a result, the White Paper will not be released until August, and consultants will look at what elements of operation the forces could share.
The Labour Party says the delay is not justified, and an assurance is needed that servicemen and women on duty will not be affected by any cuts.
