Labour is promising to make it so Defence Force (NZDF) pay rates are set independently of the government, and review the Defence Act.
The party's Defence spokesperson Andrew Little announced the policy in Rangiora on Wednesday morning, saying having the Remuneration Authority set personnel pay rates was "only fair".
"Regular and fair binding determinations by the Remuneration Authority will put an end to the historical practice of NZDF pay lurching between catch-up then stagnation for years at a time," he said in a statement.
"Our policy means NZDF personnel will have independent assurance that their pay and allowances are fair and comparable to similar roles in the public and private sectors. It is one way we will restore the value and meaning of military service."
The Authority already sets the pay rates for chiefs of the Defence Force, Air Force, Army and Navy.
Little said Labour would also carry out the first review of the Defence Act in more than 30 years.
While the Ministry of Defence carries out a detailed review of the Defence Force, strategy and investments every three years, the law itself has remained relatively unchanged.
Little's statement did not identify any particular aspect of the law which needed change.
He highlighted the Labour government's investments in the NZDF over the past six years, including pay increases for personnel and new recruits of between $4000 and $15,000, and shoring up ageing fleet and bases.
"Labour's $4.7 billion capital investment over six years is double what National did in nine. Our defence forces now has new Poseidon aircraft, upgraded frigates and a new vessel protecting our seas, a new Bushmaster vehicle fleet, and new Super Hercules aircraft on the way," he said.
RNZ
