Cabinet picks 'minimum viable' defence training upgrade as land combat readiness sits at 45 percent

Cabinet papers show the Government chose a "minimum viable capability" option for army recruit training over a more ambitious "future growth" plan. Budget 2026 allocated $23 million for a design phase running to 2029-30, focused on Waiouru camp. The decision comes with NZDF land combat readiness at 45 percent and 60 percent of the army's land training system at end-of-life.