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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?

Answered Question 24347 (2026)
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Asked by

Damien O'Connor

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • 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?

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

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.