References: Charting a new course: the case against frigates

Charting a new course: The case against frigates

References:

1. Peter Greener. Timing is everything: The politics and processes of New Zealand Defence acquisition decision making. ANU, 2009. Chapter 2 “The Frigate debate”.  https://press-files.anu.edu.au/downloads/press/p22051/mobile/ch02s03.html

2. New Zealand History. “The Royal New Zealand Navy – Introduction.” https://nzhistory.govt.nz/page/royal-new-zealand-navy

3. New Zealand History. “The Royal New Zealand Navy – New directions.” https://nzhistory.govt.nz/war/royal-new-zealand-navy/new-directions

4. Seaforces online Naval Information “Royal New Zealand Navy. Anzac class Frigate.” https://www.seaforces.org/marint/New-Zealand-Navy/Anzac-NZ-class.htm       

5.  NZ Ministry of Defence. “Anzac Frigate Upgrade Programmes - an overview.” https://www.defence.govt.nz/our-work/equip/capability-projects/anzac-frigate-upgrade-programmes/; NavalToday.com. “New Zealand invests $21.2M in Anzac-class frigate communication updates.” https://www.navaltoday.com/2021/08/19/new-zealand-invests-21-2m-for-anzac-class-frigate-communication-updates

6. The Facts Institute. “21 Countries That Don’t Have an Army.” https://factsinstitute.com/ranking/countries-that-dont-have-an-army/

7. Wikipedia. “Exclusive economic zone of New Zealand.”

8. NZ Foreign Affairs and Trade. “Our maritime zones and boundaries.” https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/environment/oceans-and-fisheries/our-maritime-zones-and-boundaries

9. Maritime New Zealand. “Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ).” https://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/readiness-and-response/maritime-incident-readiness-and-response-mirr/rescue-coordination-centre-rccnz/

10. New Zealand History. “The Royal New Zealand Navy – Second World War.” https://nzhistory.govt.nz/war/royal-new-zealand-navy/second-world-war

11.Wikipedia. “List of ships of the Royal New Zealand Navy.”

12. Wikipedia. “Military history of New Zealand- Cold War era.”

13. Peter Greener. Timing is everything: The politics and processes of New Zealand Defence acquisition decision making. ANU, 2009. Chapter 2 “The Frigate debate”.  https://press-files.anu.edu.au/downloads/press/p22051/mobile/ch02s03.html; Wikipedia. “Anzac-class frigate.

14. Peter Greener. Timing is everything: The politics and processes of New Zealand Defence acquisition decision making. ANU, 2009. Chapter 2 “The ANZAC Frigates in Service.” https://press-files.anu.edu.au/downloads/press/p22051/mobile/ch02s07.html

15. Naval Technology. “Anzac Class Frigate.” https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/anzac/?cf-view

16. Wikipedia. “Anzac-class frigate.

17. Parliament of Australia. Hansard. Questions on notice, 19 Dec 2012. “Defence: Naval Vessels (Question No. 2665). Bob Carr. https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Hansard/Hansard_Display?bid=chamber/hansards/36d472eb-b348-406b-af5e-cabd3997e60c/&sid=0233

18. UPI.  Defense News. “New Zealand starts frigate systems upgrade.” 18 Feb. 2011. https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2011/02/18/New-Zealand-starts-frigate-systems-upgrade/58271298028060/#google_vignette

19. NZ Herald. “Multi-million dollar frigate upgrade complete.”21 Dec. 2010. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/multi-million-dollar-frigate-upgrade-complete/CR2CUKUPOGFWRGG3BYWGR7VABA/%60

20. Andrew Little, Minister of Defence.” Defence Force: Upgrading the Frigates.” November 2023. https://www.defence.govt.nz/assets/publications/Defence-Force-Upgrading-the-Frigates.pdf

21. NZ Government. Cabinet External Relations and Security Committee Minute of Decision. ERS-23-MIN-0020. “Defence Force – Upgrading the Frigates.”

22. RNZN Communicators Association. Frank Rands. “New Zealand Frigate Sails Home Following Upgrade.” 7 June 2022. https://rnzncomms.org/new-zealand-frigate-sails-home-following-upgrade/

23. RNZ. “NZ's $2.6 billion military helicopter purchase approved by US.” 6 June 2026. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/politics/597409/nz-s-2-point-6-billion-military-helicopter-purchase-approved-by-us

24. GlobalSecurity.org  “HMNZS Te Kaha - ANZAC Frigates.” https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/nz/hmnzs-te-kaha.htm

25. Parliament of Australia. Hansard. Questions on notice, 19 Dec 2012. “Defence: Naval Vessels (Question No. 2665). Bob Carr. https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Hansard/Hansard_Display?bid=chamber/hansards/36d472eb-b348-406b-af5e-cabd3997e60c/&sid=0233

26. Max Blenkin ADM. “More on Mogami.” 5 Aug.  2025. https://www.australiandefence.com.au/defence/sea/more-on-mogami

27 Australian Government. “Australia locks in delivery of our first three general purpose frigates.” 18 April 2026. https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2026-04-18/australia-locks-delivery-our-first-three-general-purpose-frigates

28.  Gabriel Dominguez. The Japan Times. “Mogami frigate talks anchor first Japan-Australia-N.Z. trilateral defense chiefs’ meeting.”  https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/05/30/japan/politics/japan-australia-new-zealand-defense-ministers-mogami/

29. NZ Government. Chris Penk. “Frigate project progress key for maritime security.” 7 May 2026. https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/frigate-project-progress-key-maritime-security

30.  DefSec. “The Victory Option: A Frigate Replacement for the Royal New Zealand Navy?” 4 May 2026.   https://defsec.net.nz/2026/05/04/victory-option-frigate-replacement/

31. John Howard. Adrift: A trading nation, an ageing navy and the 2027 frigate decision. The New Zealand Initiative. July 2026. https://www.nzinitiative.org.nz/

32. The Guardian. Tom McIlroy. “’ Absolutely the best ship’: Japan wins $10bn contract to grow Australia’s war fleet.” 5 Aug. 2025. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/05/australia-to-buy-japan-mitsubishi-heavy-industries-mogami-class-frigates-navy-war-fleet-richard-marles.; Wikipedia. “Mogami-class frigate.

And https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mogami-class_frigate

33. Michael Read and Jessica Sier.  “‘Historic’: Australia and Japan to seal $10b warship mega-deal.” Australian Financial Review.  7 April 2026. https://www.afr.com/policy/foreign-affairs/historic-australia-and-japan-to-seal-10b-warship-mega-deal-20260417-p5zoou

34. John Birkler et al. “Australia's Naval Shipbuilding Enterprise: Preparing for the 21st Century.” RAND Corporation. 15 April 2015. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR1093.html

35. Michael Read and Jessica Sier.  “‘Historic’: Australia and Japan to seal $10b warship mega-deal.” Australian Financial Review.  7 April 2026. https://www.afr.com/policy/foreign-affairs/historic-australia-and-japan-to-seal-10b-warship-mega-deal-20260417-p5zoou

36.  Malcolm Davis. “Australian Naval Institute. What’s behind the Mogami choice.” 7 Aug. 2025. https://navalinstitute.com.au/whats-behind-the-mogami-choice/

37. Chen Chuanren. “Australia inks $7 billion Mogami frigate deal.” Asian Military Review. 21 April 2026. https://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/2026/04/australia-inks-7-billion-mogami-frigate-deal-foc/

38.  Phil Pennington. RNZ. “Pete Hegseth's 'freeloading' snipe: Should NZ be worried?”   2 June 2026. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/politics/597035/pete-hegseth-s-freeloading-snipe-should-nz-be-worried

39.  Stats NZ. “New Zealand’s annual exports reach $80 billion.” 29 January 2026. https://www.stats.govt.nz/news/new-zealands-annual-exports-reach-80-billion/

40. NZ Foreign Affairs and Trade. “Key facts on New Zealand-China trade.” https://www.mfat.govt.nz/

41. Working dog productions. “Australia’s Defence Policy Explained.” https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wIV6k1kyQ40

42.  NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. “ASEAN: regional economic outlook - September 2024.” https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/trade/mfat-market-reports/asean-regional-economic-outlook-september-2024

43 “ASEAN member states.”  https://asean.org/member-states/

44. Phil Pennington. RNZ. “New Zealand's part in US moves provoking China.” 3 Mar. 2025. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/politics/543513/new-zealand-s-part-in-us-moves-provoking-china

45. Stuff. “China berates NZ over South China Sea stance.” Oct. 11, 2016. https://www.stuff.co.nz/world/asia/85234847/china-berates-nz-over-south-china-sea-stance

46. Susannah Patton. “Asia Power Index 2024 : New Zealand's Place in the Region.” 2 Oct. 2024. https://www.asiamediacentre.org.nz/asia-power-index-new-zealand-s-place-in-the-region

47. “NZDF contributes to multinational activities in the Indo-Pacific region.” 17 Aug. 2026. https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/media-centre/news/nzdf-contributes-to-multinational-activities-in-the-indo-pacific-region/

48. Lilian Hanly. RNZ. “Winston Peters 'deeply concerned' after China conducts missile test in South Pacific.” 6 July 2026. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/politics/680418/winston-peters-deeply-concerned-after-china-conducts-missile-test-in-south-pacific

49. John Howard. Adrift: A trading nation, an ageing navy and the 2027 frigate decision. The New Zealand Initiative. July 2026. https://www.nzinitiative.org.nz/

50. Stephen Dziedzic. ABC News. “NZ defence minister warns of 'extremely capable' Chinese warships in Tasman Sea.” 24 Feb. 2025. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-24/chinese-warship-missiles-in-tasman-sea-nz-minister-warning/104973290

51. RNZ.  “New Zealand's biggest navy ship made transit through sensitive Taiwan Strait this month.”   https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/politics/580233/new-zealand-s-biggest-navy-ship-made-transit-through-sensitive-taiwan-strait-this-month. 27 November 2025

52. Andrew Little, Minister of Defence.” Defence Force: Upgrading the Frigates.” November 2023. https://www.defence.govt.nz/assets/publications/Defence-Force-Upgrading-the-Frigates.pdf

53. John Howard. Adrift: A trading nation, an ageing navy and the 2027 frigate decision. The New Zealand Initiative. July 2026. https://www.nzinitiative.org.nz/

54. Independent Royal Navy news and analysis. “A guide to the Type 31 frigate.” https://www.navylookout.com/a-guide-to-the-type-31-frigate/

55. NZ Defence Force. “HMNZS Canterbury loads up for Napier.” 21 Feb. 2023. https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/media-centre/news/hmnzs-canterbury-loads-up-for-napier/

56. Stuff. Jess McAllen. “HMNZS Canterbury returns from cyclone-hit Vanuatu.” 27 April 2015. https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/68069879/hmnzs-canterbury-returns-from-cyclone-hit-vanuatu

57. New Zealand High Commission, Suva, Fiji.”  NZDF Ship Canterbury continues to support rebuild in Northern Lau.” Facebook, 31 March 2017.

58. Te Taua Moana Navy. “We are Te Taua Moana - Warriors of the Sea.” https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/navy/

59. Torpedo Bay Navy Museum.  “Christchurch earthquake.”   https://navymuseum.co.nz/explore/by-themes/1970-today/christchurch-earthquake/

60. Matthew Brockett. The Spokesman-Review. “International warships sail to aid of quake-stricken New Zealand town.” 15  Nov. 2016.  https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2016/nov/15/international-warships-sail-to-aid-of-quake-strick/

61.  RNZ. “Cyclone Gabrielle: Navy ship with supplies diverts from Tolaga Bay.” 17 February 2023. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/politics/484369/cyclone-gabrielle-navy-ship-with-supplies-diverts-from-tolaga-bay

62. Sail World and NZ Defence Force. “NZ Navy rescues catamaran sailor in Cyclone Gabrielle.” 4 Feb. 2023. https://www.sail-world.com/news/258640/NZ-Navy-rescues-catamaran-sailor-in-cyclone

63. NZ Government. Wayne Mapp, Minister of Defence. “HMNZS Canterbury has full load for voyage.” 28 February 2011. https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/hmnzs-canterbury-has-full-load-voyage

64. RNZ. Kaya Selby. “New Zealand Defence Force rescues two people stranded at sea south of Tonga.” 19 Feb. 2026. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/pacific/587333/new-zealand-defence-force-rescues-two-people-stranded-at-sea-south-of-tonga

65. NZ Government. Max Bradford. “Frigate Te Kaha Sails For Southern Ocean.” 2 Feb. 1999. https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/frigate-te-kaha-sails-southern-ocean

66. NZ Defence Force. “HMNZS Otago ends patrol of Southern Ocean.”  20 Dec. 2017. https://nzdefenceforce.medium.com/hmnzs-otago-ends-patrol-of-southern-ocean-f996254a7d31

67. NZ Government. Judith Collins. “Operationalising the Australia-New Zealand Alliance: Anzac 2035 - Closer Defence Relations Statement.” 17 March 2026. https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/operationalising-australia-new-zealand-alliance-anzac-2035-closer-defence-relations;

68. Naval News. Kosuke Takahashi. “Japan welcomes New Zealand interest in Upgraded Mogami-class Frigate.”  11 May 2026. https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2026/05/japan-welcomes-new-zealand-interest-in-upgraded-mogami-class-frigate/   

69. Australian Government. Defence Ministers. “Australia - New Zealand Joint Statement on Closer Defence Relations.” 6 Dec. 2024. https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/statements/2024-12-06/australia-new-zealand-joint-statement-closer-defence-relations

70.NZ Ministry of Defence. “Operationalising the Australia-New Zealand Alliance: Anzac 2035 - Closer Defence Relations Statement.” 17 March 2026. https://www.defence.govt.nz/publications/operationalising-the-alliance/

71. NZ Defence Force. “New Zealand and Australian Armies reaffirm enduring relationship.” 10 July 2026. https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/media-centre/news/new-zealand-and-australian-armies-reaffirm-enduring-relationship/

72. RNZ. Nicola Macaulay. “Is NZ defence and intelligence policy aligning with AUKUS in all but name?”  8 Feb.  2026. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/politics/586209/is-nz-defence-and-intelligence-policy-aligning-with-aukus-in-all-but-name

73. Robert Ayson. Lowy Institute. “Future proofing Australia–New Zealand defence relations” 19 Dec. 2016.  https://www.lowyinstitute.org/publications/future-proofing-australia-new-zealand-defence-relations

74. Robert-John Broughton. The Conversation. “Will building an integrated ‘Anzac force’ with Australia cost NZ strategic freedom?” 4 Aug.  2026. https://theconversation.com/will-building-an-integrated-anzac-force-with-australia-cost-nz-strategic-freedom-287952

75. Wikipedia. “Naval warfare in the Russo-Ukrainian war (2022–present).”

76. US Naval Institute. John Grady. “Battles in the Black Sea Changing the Character of Naval Warfare, Experts Say.” 13 June 2024. https://news.usni.org/2024/06/13/battles-in-the-black-sea-changing-the-character-of-naval-warfare-experts-say

77.  Atlantic Council. “Tracking US military assets in the Iran war.”  15 May 2026. https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/commentary/trackers-and-data-visualizations/tracking-us-military-assets-in-the-iran-war/

78. Council on Foreign Relations. “First Ukraine, Now Iran: A New Era of Drone Warfare Takes Hold.”  9 Mar. 2026. https://www.cfr.org/articles/the-new-era-of-drone-warfare-takes-root-in-iran

79. NZ Ministry of Defence. “Defence Capability Plan 2019.”  1 June 2019. https://www.defence.govt.nz/publications/defence-capability-plan-2019/; “2025 Defence Capability Plan.” 7 Apr. 2025/https://www.defence.govt.nz/our-work/equip/defence-capability-plan/

80. United Nations. “Climate change.” https://www.un.org/en/global-issues/climate-change

81. Resilient Westport. “Flood protection.” https://www.resilientwestport.co.nz/flood-protection.; Otago Regional Council. “South Dunedin flood risks can be significantly reduced, but difficult choices lie ahead.” 17 June 2026.

82. NZ Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport. “Managed retreat.” https://environment.govt.nz/what-government-is-doing/areas-of-work/climate-change/adapting-to-climate-change/managed-retreat/

83. Deloitte. Louise Aitken. “New Zealand can’t afford a short‑term energy strategy.”. 28 May 2026. https://www.deloitte.com/nz/en/services/consulting/perspectives/government-budget-2026-sustainability-and-energy-transition.html

84. Wikipedia. “Solar power in New Zealand.”

85.  Kristy Hoare. “Solar panels in New Zealand: Costs, savings & how to gets started.”  7  Sept. 2026. https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/about-solar-power/residential/how-much-does-a-solar-power-system-cost/

86. NZ Ministry of Education. “Solar panels at school.” https://www.education.govt.nz/education-professionals/schools-year-0-13/property/solar-panels-school

87. Stuff. “New Marsden Point storage tanks bolster diesel, jet fuel supplies.” 7 July 2026. https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/361039165/new-marsden-point-storage-tanks-bolster-diesel-jet-fuel-suppliesOXFAM Aotearoa. “Pacific Resilience: How funding for climate action strengthens our region.” 2026. https://www.oxfam.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Oxfam_Pacific_Resilience_Report_Nov25_V5-2.pdf

89. Max Rashbrooke. “Inequality in New Zealand.”  https://www.inequality.org.nz/

90.The Spinoff. Liam Rātana. “Budget 2025: New funding headlines mask deeper cuts to Māori programmes.” 23 May 2025. https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/23-05-2025/budget-2025-new-funding-headlines-mask-deeper-cuts-to-maori-programmes?ref=goodoil.news

91. RNZ. Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira. Pokere Paewai. “Māori question lack of targeted funding in 2025 Budget.” 23 May 2025. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/politics/561870/maori-question-lack-of-targeted-funding-in-2025-budget

92. RNZ. . Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira. Pokere Paewai. “Critics ask where targeted Māori funding is in Budget 2026.” 29 May 2026. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-ao-maori/596673/critics-ask-where-targeted-maori-funding-is-in-budget-2026

93. NZ Government. Simeon Brown. “New Dunedin Hospital construction contract signed.” 9 Sept. 2025. https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-dunedin-hospital-construction-contract-signed

94. NZ Doctor. “Labour commits to a new hospital for the people of Hawke’s Bay.” 21 Sept. 2023. https://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/article/undoctored/labour-commits-new-hospital-people-hawkes-bay

95. Grant Thornton. Ryan Campbell, Iain Blakeley. “Where’s the support for aged care facilities running at a loss?” 30 May 2024. https://www.grantthornton.co.nz/insights/budget-2024-aged-care/

96. NZ Ministry of Health. The Ministerial Advisory Group Report on Aged Care in New Zealand . A place to grow old: Securing the future of aged care. August 2026. https://www.health.govt.nz/system/files/2026-08/MAGroup-Report-Aged-Care-NZ-v2.pdf

97. NZ Government. Erica Stanford. “$100 million reinvested into more classrooms.” 17 Oct. 2025. https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/100-million-reinvested-more-classrooms

98. NZ Government.  Budget 2026. “Budget at a glance.” https://budget.govt.nz/budget/2026/at-a-glance/education.htm

 

 

 

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