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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?

Answered Question 37116 (2026)
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Asked by

Damien O'Connor

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • 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?

Answered by

Hon Paul Goldsmith

List MP · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

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.