Scrapping Of Skyhawks A Step Towards More Independent Policy
Green Party Defence Spokesperson Keith Locke welcomed today's defence changes as a major step towards a more independent
policy.
"This announcement is an historic change away from New Zealand's traditional subordination to Australia and America in
its defence strategies," said Mr Locke.
"Rather than being geared to fight a major war alongside America and Australia, we'll now be more appropriately equipped
for peacekeeping, as in East Timor.
"We applaud the Government for the scrapping of the Skyhawks, which have never been used operationally in the 30 years
we've had them.
"The government is right to concentrate on improving the workhorses of the Air Force - the Hercules and our helicopter
fleet - which have proven their worth once again in East Timor," he said.
"This is not an isolationist step. With a revamped army we will be able to work with a wider range of countries in
international peacekeeping.
"We reject National's charges that the Government is out of tune with public opinion in making these announcements.
"We believe the Government is catching up with public opinion, which has long been opposed to the purchase of new
frigates," he said.
"Although people like to see the Skyhawks at air shows, most people would agree that the $200 million spent on them
annually could be better spent on more useful ships and planes.
"The $400 million annually spent on the frigates is also wasted money. While we support the decision to replace the
Canterbury with a long-range multi-purpose ship and fisheries patrol boats, we would like the government to go even
further and let go the two remaining ANZAC frigates.
"The resultant saving would more than cover the extra the government needs to re-equip the army," said Mr Locke.
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