New Zealand adds Sikorsky and Airbus platforms to boost air capability “This decision will ensure New Zealand has a critical combat capable, interoperable and dependable fleet,” Defence Minister Judith Collins said.

New Zealand adds Sikorsky and Airbus platforms to boost air capability www.defensenews.com/global/asia-...

This morning I launched the AI Accelerate expo at Parliament showcasing some successful AI use in government and encouraging more. We need to emulate Estonia and Singapore in being customer focused for New Zealanders and using AI to help that.
#AI4Good

@digitalidnz is holding its Hui Taumata 2025 for key players in the digital identity industry which seeks to make all New Zealanders’ identity information more secure and useable.
This morning I spoke on the use in NZ including the work being done by @NZTA on a digital driver licence.

18 years since the last visit of a Japanese warship to New Zealand and this evening I formally welcomed Rear Admiral Natsui Takashi  and 500 crew who, with New Zealand, just finished being part of exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia. A sake barrel had to be broken into ! 🇳🇿🇯🇵

www.beehive.govt.nz/release/cons...

Happy to be at the turning of the sod for the new Papakura District Court which is being built on the site of the former RSA.
Good to be able to join Minister of Justice @PaulGoldsmithMP and Minister for Courts @NicoleMckeeMP along with Judges, Mana Whenua, Justice staff & construction staff.

And that’s a wrap for the day and flying back home. A great visit to Linton to meet many of our Army team and hear first hand how excited they are with the capabilities coming with the Defence Capability Plan. #NewZealandDefenceForce

Not the easiest weather but many thanks to @NZDefenceForce for getting me into Waiouru for the graduation ceremony of 153 new soldiers. Outstanding men and women and as their families saw today, Waiouru can be mighty cold in winter.
I was pleased to be the reviewing officer of the parade.

New NZDF space unit spots nearby Russian satellite on first day When Defence Minister Judith Collins opened the Defence Force’s first dedicated space squadron, she said the need for the unit was immediately clear.

www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360...

Today I launched 62 Squadron @NZDefenceForce Space Operations. Exciting and vital work helping to keep New Zealand and New Zealanders secure.

It was a pleasure to open the new all-of-government data centre which will serve New Zealand’s data security needs for the next quarter of a century.

A bitterly cold wind as @NewZealandMFA and I announce the deployment of @NZDefenceForce personnel to the Middle East to assist in helping New Zealanders who are stranded in Israel or Iran to get into safe areas.

Because of the closed airspace, New Zealanders will need to get to land borders.

Defence heads face scrutiny week hearing, promise to be fiscally responsible The increased budget means troops can now move past being only partly equipped, says defence secretary Brook Barrington.

Good, positive hearing this week on defence. Great news for our defence industry and our defence personnel.

www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...

Many thanks to @cjsbishop for an excellent speech to the @NZNationalParty Papakura Pizza and Politics this evening. It was a great crowd and people loved hearing about Mill Road & our commitment to it, RMA reform, Infrastructure &the excellent investment summit.

Collins warns against ‘putting labels’ on people, assuming they’re appointed for DEI It comes as Winston Peters wants to rid the public service of diversity regulations.

www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/...

Someone has set up a false account masquerading as me. Please ignore everything from below. A report has been made to @bsky.app