Simon Power
National Defence Spokesperson
23rd March 2003
Govt spending fortune on planes that don't fly
The cost of storing and maintaining New Zealand's dismantled air combat wing has risen to $350,000 a month, according to
figures obtained by National's Defence spokesperson Simon Power.
"It is absolutely farcical that taxpayers are being forced to shell out $3.8 million a year for Skyhawk and Aermacchi
planes that aren't even being used.
"It is a slap in the face for members of the air force who have been waiting years for the upgrade of aircraft like the
Orions and Hercules.
"Labour's decision to scrap the air combat wing was hugely unpopular, and now the full cost is being revealed.
"The decision was made at a time when the Prime Minister claimed we live in a 'benign strategic environment'. Our
defence forces are now paying the price for that blunder.
"It is a massive waste of money to be spending a fortune on keeping these planes inactive when we live in such uncertain
times," said Mr Power
Ends
*Attached: Parliamentary question 01240
To: Simon Power Subject: PQ has been released: 01240 (2003) - Power Simon - Due Date: 17/03/2003 13:11:05 Auto
forwarded by a Rule
Question: Further to his reply to written question No 11332 (2002), has the monthly cost of maintaining and storing the
decommissioned Skyhawks and Aermacchi jet trainers while they are awaiting sale increased since he provided that answer;
if so, how much has it increased and why?
Portfolio: Minister of Defence Minister: Hon Mark Burton Date Lodged: 7/03/2003 13:00:21
Answer Text: The average monthly cost of maintaining and storing the decommissioned Skyhawk and Aermacchi aircraft has
risen to approximately $350,000 per month because of additional maintenance necessary to prevent degradation of the
aircraft during storage.
If there is no prior sale, an average monthly cost of approximately $320,000 per month is forecast for the full
financial year to 30 June 2003. Attachment: None
Date Received: 19/03/2003 13:44:34