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The New Zealand government has unveiled a long-term plan to modernise Defence Force infrastructure across the country in a bid to strengthen military resilience and create construction jobs.
The Defence Estate Regeneration Program is envisioned to renew ageing, service-critical infrastructure using depreciation reserves across camps and bases, training areas and regional facilities.
“The national security of New Zealand depends on a strong Defence estate that empowers the force to perform at its best,” Associate Defence Minister Chris Penk said.
“Modern facilities support personnel to train, deploy and operate equipment at their peak, while safe and healthy workplaces and homes are essential for their wellbeing.
“Sadly, our infrastructure is not equipped to realise this vision. Much of it is aged, fragile and prone to failure, with more than 70 per cent of New Zealand Defence Force infrastructure now having less than 20 years of useful life remaining.
“Failure to act will result in facility closures, degraded training that undermines operational capability and increased risks to personnel. Regenerating the estate is essential to maintain a high level of operational readiness.
“The Defence Estate Portfolio Plan sets out a long-term vision to deliver major regeneration by 2040, ensuring our camps, bases and training areas are fit for purpose and equipped to meet the needs of a modern Defence force.
“The DEPP sets out the investment priorities for the $2.5 billion identified in the Defence Capability Plan 2025 to modernise and strengthen Defence infrastructure over the next four years, subject to annual budget processes.
“It replaces earlier regeneration plans and takes a more holistic portfolio approach by bringing together service-critical assets, training infrastructure, and housing across the Defence estate.”
As part of the DEPP, Cabinet has given the green light to the Future Naval Base Program.
“Devonport Naval Base is vital to the Defence Force as New Zealand’s only naval port, yet the current infrastructure cannot fully meet the Navy’s operational, training and support requirements,” Minister Penk said.
“The program addresses historic underinvestment with significant new projects to provide fit-for-purpose accommodation, training facilities, wharf improvements and horizontal infrastructure.
“Investment also extends to associated sites such as Narrow Neck, Kauri Point, and the Tamaki Leadership Centre at Whangaparāoa.
“These upgrades will be rolled out in tranches, enhancing the Royal New Zealand Navy’s ability to operate safely and effectively. The first tranche is already underway, with $25 million in capital funding provided through Budget 2025.”
Alongside the Future Naval Base Program, the DEPP supports the continuation of five other programs that back Defence capability and renew infrastructure.
These include Horizontal Infrastructure Workstream to upgrade essential services like water, power, ICT and roads across Defence sites.
Homes for Families Program, delivering modern housing for Defence families at multiple locations. The Ōhakea Infrastructure Program to support Air Force capability through targeted infrastructure upgrades at RNZAF Base Ōhakea.
Accommodation Messing and Dining Modernisation Program to upgrade barracks, messing and dining facilities to improve living standards and support retention.
