$20b Defence Force budget could be reprioritised - Labour

Mr Little says the money would be better spent on housing and education for the most vulnerable New Zealanders (Newshub)
Mr Little says the money would be better spent on housing and education for the most vulnerable New Zealanders (Newshub)

Labour leader Andrew Little is hinting at downsizing a planned $20b Defence Force upgrade if he becomes Prime Minister after the election.

He says the money would be better spent on housing and education for the most vulnerable New Zealanders instead of buying new planes and ships for the military.

The 10-year $20b upgrade was unveiled last year, with plans to replace ageing planes, ships, and other defence infrastructure that had come to the end of its life.

"When it comes down to a choice between doing stuff that's going to give people a chance to get a roof over their heads or get the kids set up for opportunities for the future, that's got to come first, that is our priority," says Mr Little.

He says he will look at the $20b proposal, but says his priority is clear.

"We want to support our armed forces, but there's no point in having state-of-the-art equipment if the people rocking up to be recruited in the armed services don't have a good education."

$20b Defence Force budget could be reprioritised - Labour

The defence upgrade includes replacing the entire fixed-wing fleet of the Air Force, including the P-3 Orion, C-130 Hercules, and Boeing 757 fleets.

It also includes new frigates to replace Te Mana and Te Kaha, a new refuelling vessel, and a new littoral vessel.

Newshub.