30340 (2026). Teanau Tuiono to the Minister of Defence

Written Question

Published date: 17 Jul 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	30340 (2026)
Question asked:	02 Jul 2026
Member asking:	Teanau Tuiono
Portfolio:	Minister of Defence
Minister replying:	Hon Chris Penk
Answer received:	13 Jul 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_30340_2026
Document guid:	fd413144-10f3-48c6-99d4-4a7218750a99

30340 (2026). Teanau Tuiono to the Minister of Defence: Further to his reply to Written Question 29480, can the New Zealand Defence Force continue to use the MH-60R at its regular capabilities should the United States withdraw through-life support?

Hon Chris Penk: Given that the United States has been using the MH-60R Helicopter since 2005, and it is described as their primary anti-submarine and surface warfare helicopter, there is currently no reason to believe through-life support will be withdrawn in the near future. The United States Government also has obligations to partner nations as part of the Foreign Military sales process relating to major defence systems. Should a system be considered obsolete or unsupportable, a partner would be given a minimum of two years to purchase the necessary inventory.