# New Zealand's National Security Challenges for New Government

> New Zealand's next government faces immediate security questions as US ties deepen and China's influence grows.
- Title: New Zealand's National Security Challenges for New Government
- Summary: New Zealand's next government faces immediate security questions as US ties deepen and China's influence grows. New Zealand must balance US security…
- Keywords: new zealand, national security, china, pacific, defence spending, five eyes, australia, japan, anzac frigates, politics, news, Zealand's
- Source: NZ Herald — https://nzherald.co.nz/nz/the-big-national-security-questions-that-will-immediately-confront-the-new-new-zealand-govt-dr-reuben-steff/premium/GS7X4HVLHNFXZNH3NQUSUKT3KM
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: new zealand, national security, us, china, pacific, defence spending, five eyes, australia, japan, anzac frigates, politics, news
## New Zealand's security shift
The upcoming election result won't hinge on foreign policy but national security questions will immediately confront the new government.
## Post-Cold War security decline
Since the Cold War ended, security has been sacrificed for economic efficiency, a trend seen globally including in the US and Europe.
## US as strategic partner
The US remains New Zealand's most powerful ally despite security guarantees suspended since 1986, providing critical intelligence and deterrence.
## China's growing influence
China buys about a quarter of New Zealand's exports but engages in territorial disputes and builds military infrastructure in the Pacific.
## New Zealand's security concerns
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters warns of increased Chinese engagement in Pacific security sectors and beachhead activities.
## Trilateral security project
New Zealand, US, and Japan launched a $60 million project to upgrade the Penrhyn port in the Cook Islands.
## Defence spending reality
New Zealand spent just 1.1% of GDP on defence in 2025, ranking 31st among OECD countries.
## Japan's security role
Japan has emerged as a parallel security guarantor in the Pacific with plans to spend 2% of GDP on defence two years early.
## Anzac frigate replacement
New Zealand's two ageing Anzac frigates reach the end of their lives in the mid-2030s with replacement decisions due by end of 2027.
## AI in defence
New Zealand's strategic problem includes too much ocean, too few platforms, too few analysts and too many data streams requiring AI integration.
## Labour's frigate stance
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has defended Five Eyes but floated the idea of not replacing Anzac frigates.
## Strategic balance needed
New Zealand must assume an engaged America while building Australian and Japanese security pillars to share regional burdens.
## Pacific security challenges
China's navy and coastguard press contested claims against the Philippines and Vietnam while building military infrastructure in the South Pacific.
## US security commitment
The US provides critical intelligence, maritime domain awareness, high-end training and deterrence against serious threats to New Zealand.
## Five Eyes membership
New Zealand is the only Five Eyes member without a warship transfer agreement with another country.
## Next steps for security
New Zealand's leaders must not swerve security obligations as partners blink red as the world order frays.
## Key takeaway

New Zealand must balance US security commitments with growing Chinese influence in the Pacific.