24347 (2026). Hon Damien O'Connor to the Minister of Defence

Written Question

Published date: 16 Jun 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	24347 (2026)
Question asked:	01 Jun 2026
Member asking:	Hon Damien O'Connor
Portfolio:	Minister of Defence
Minister replying:	Hon Chris Penk
Answer received:	09 Jun 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_24347_2026
Document guid:	56b410b9-1e39-4099-a7aa-4d223808df93

24347 (2026). Hon Damien O'Connor to the Minister of Defence: What remuneration increases, if any, are funded by the Defence Force Remuneration initiative in Budget 2026 (approximately $120.0 million of operating funding to move military and civilian staff remuneration closer to market), expressed as the average percentage increase by rank or band, and how does New Zealand Defence Force remuneration currently compare with the market?

Hon Chris Penk: The New Zealand Defence Force has not yet made any decisions on how the funding will be allocated. As at 1 May 2026, military base salaries are on average 10 percent below the market, and civilian base salaries are on average 13.7 percent below the market.