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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?

Answered Question 24348 (2026)
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Asked by

Damien O'Connor

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • 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?

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

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

Answer

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.