What estimate, if any, has the Minister, the Ministry of Defence, or any other agency made of the costs incurred by New Zealand companies, including non-refundable airfares and accommodation, in preparing to participate in a defence industry showcase in Canberra, Australia, in August 2026 associated with a planned trilateral defence ministers' meeting between New Zealand, Australia, and Japan; and will the Government reimburse or offset any such costs if New Zealand's participation does not proceed; if not, why not?

Asked by

Damien O'Connor

List MP · Labour Party

• What estimate, if any, has the Minister, the Ministry of Defence, or any other agency made of the costs incurred by New Zealand companies, including non-refundable airfares and accommodation, in preparing to participate in a defence industry showcase in Canberra, Australia, in August 2026 associated with a planned trilateral defence ministers' meeting between New Zealand, Australia, and Japan; and will the Government reimburse or offset any such costs if New Zealand's participation does not proceed; if not, why not?