New spend on war is lunacy – Peace Action Wellington

The Minister of Defence Chris Penk has announced a $1.58 billion
investment in war including hundreds of millions for more work on the
frigates.

“The government is allocating another $215 million to the frigates –
both of which were just upgraded at an actual cost of $700 million –
nearly twice what was budgeted with years’ long work overruns by
Lockheed Martin. This is the usual rort of the weapons industry,” said
Valerie Morse, member of Peace Action Wellington.

“This announcement shows where the Coalition’s priorities are. Instead
of building hospitals, schools, houses, aged care facilities and a clean
energy transition, this government is intent on waging war alongside the
United States.”

“The Minister likes claims the world is more dangerous. What he is not
saying is that country most responsible for that very instability is our
‘friend’ the United States. The US is engaged in an illegal war on the
people of Iran, and are arming and funding the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
In 2025 alone, the US bombed nine different countries.”

“It is the US that has been pushing this government to spend more on war
since the 2023 election. There has been a constant stream of US military
and State Department people in and out of Wellington to ensure the
government commits to a massive military build up – and interoperability
with US forces.”

“Instead of signing up for the US empire’s endless wars – and spending
our children’s inheritance on weapons – we need to build a strong and
vibrant Aotearoa New Zealand that ensures everyone here has what they
need to lead a dignified life.”

“The announced spending on new weapons will be funneled straight into
the pockets of global weapons companies like Lockheed Martin, instead of
into ensuring people here are fed, clothed, housed and employed.”