37116 (2026). Hon Damien O'Connor to the Minister of Defence

Written Question

Published date: 08 Sep 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	37116 (2026)
Question asked:	18 Aug 2026
Member asking:	Hon Damien O'Connor
Portfolio:	Minister of Defence
Minister replying:	Hon Paul Goldsmith
Answer received:	02 Sep 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_37116_2026
Document guid:	02f573f5-1058-4403-979f-e2628a63e8ce

37116 (2026). Hon Damien O'Connor to the Minister of Defence: What advice, if any, did the Minister receive, before deciding not to attend a planned trilateral defence ministers' meeting with Australia and Japan in Canberra in August 2026, indicating that the associated showcase of New Zealand defence capability to counterparts was not time sensitive; and, if no such advice was received, on what basis did the Minister publicly characterise the showcase as not time sensitive?

Hon Paul Goldsmith: The trip was a showcase of the capabilities of New Zealand’s defence industry and the events were not time specific. Defence remains committed to supporting engagement opportunities for New Zealand companies in Australia, and will explore options for holding a similar event in Canberra next year.