Re-launched Just Defence: navigating New Zealand’s next frigate decision
Welcome to the inaugural newsletter of the revived Just Defence.
We believe our military should focus strictly on protecting our domestic waters, supporting our Pacific neighbours, and leading global peacekeeping efforts—rather than being designed and equipped to fight far-flung, foreign conflicts on behalf of the United States.
Who We Are: A legacy of independent thinking
Just Defence is not a new voice in New Zealand's defence policy landscape. Originally operating from the mid 1980s to the mid 1990s - a pivotal era when New Zealand proudly went Nuclear-Free - we provided a rigorous alternative analysis to establishment military thinking.
Our credibility was anchored by high-profile support, including having New Zealand’s retired first Secretary of Defence, Sir Jack Hunn, and retired first Ombudsman, Sir Guy Powles, as two of our patrons.
During our initial run, we played a significant part in the ANZAC frigate debate, questioning the strategic and financial logic of acquiring four expensive blue-water combat ships. While that No Frigate campaign did not stop the ANZAC frigates, it was successful in reducing the number of ships from four to two, thus saving the country nearly $14billion dollars over the last 30 years.
Today, we have returned to the public debate because New Zealand faces an almost identical crossroad.
The Saturday election and the frigate dilemma
Following this Saturday's election, the incoming government will have to confront one of the most expensive defence decisions in a generation. Next year, the government must decide whether New Zealand will replace its aging ANZAC frigates that are approaching the end of their operational lifespans.
Just Defence spokesperson Kevin Hackwell argues in a recent Newsroom opinion piece that shifting electoral dynamics have created a multi-billion-dollar dilemma over whether to replace the Navy’s aging Anzac-class frigates. While on the right National and ACT support the $22 billion procurement plan, New Zealand First could to block frigate replacements by arguing that modern drone warfare has rendered legacy warships obsolete.
We have saved you the effort by reviewing and summarising the political parties’ defence policies. We hope that this will be of help when you get to the polling booth.
The staggering bill: the Mogami frigates
If the government opts for a frigate replacement - the frontrunner is widely considered to be the Japanese-designed Mogami-class frigate - the financial implications are staggering.
In our briefing paper, Charting a New Course, and Stuff opinion piece we break down the true fiscal impact. Purchasing and maintaining a fleet of these expensive, sophisticated warships will lock New Zealand into billions of dollars of debt, diverting critical funding away from domestic infrastructure, healthcare, and climate resilience.
New Zealand needs a maritime strategy focused on our exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and South Pacific neighbourhood, rather than purchasing expensive combat vessels designed for high-intensity, distant warfare supporting increasingly irrational and erratic US foreign and military policies.
New Zealand deserves a defence force that fits its budget and its independent foreign policy.
What you can do
After the election we will need your help to counter the enormous pressure that the defence and foreign affairs establishment will put on the new government.
We invite you to explore our research, read our latest commentary, and join the conversation at JustDefence.org. Please share this newsletter and follow Just Defence on Facebook and Instagram ( @justdefencenz ). We would also really appreciate your financial support, please make a donation.
Kind regards
The Just Defence team.
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