24348 (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:	24348 (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_24348_2026
Document guid:	8e6d8c3b-75be-4486-ad3a-e71b6791c5e3

24348 (2026). Hon Damien O'Connor to the Minister of Defence: How many additional military personnel, if any, will be recruited through the Defence Capability Plan – Workforce Recovery initiative funded in Budget 2026 (approximately $20.0 million of operating funding to increase the military workforce in operational trades and critical support functions), and what is the New Zealand Defence Force's current attrition rate and personnel shortfall against establishment?

Hon Chris Penk: The $5 million funding for the Defence Capability Plan – Workforce Recovery initiative in Budget 2026 provides for an additional 39 FTE (being 11 FTE Navy, 22 FTE Army, and 6 FTE Air). The trades will be determined by each Service. As at 31 May 2026, the Regular Force rolling attrition rate was 7.3%, with a shortfall of 925.8 FTE against 9,923 Regular Force positions.