Hon Max Bradford
Minister of Defence
MEDIA RELEASE
November 19, 1999
Dad's Army With Rowboats: NZ First Defence Policy
New Zealand First has shown its true colours by walking away from New Zealand's defence needs, Defence Minister Max
Bradford said today.
"NZ First has shown that despite talking tough, it is really soft when it comes to making hard decisions in the
interests of New Zealand's wellbeing.
"NZ First, by reneging on the deal to lease F-16 aircraft and not replacing frigates, would turn our balanced, credible
Defence Force into a Dad's Army with row boats," Mr Bradford said.
"It is a policy position that would leave our troops vulnerable, undermine our trading relationships, and leave our
international credibility in tatters.
"It is a nonsense policy from a nonsense party," Mr Bradford said.
ENDS