A big pay increase is on the way for our Defence Force in the hope of stemming staff turnover.

The Government is bringing 90 percent of pay in line with market rates, by putting aside nearly $420 million in the Budget.

Another $328 million will also be spent upgrading assets and infrastructure, including Defence Force housing.

Former Defence Minister, Ron Mark told Tim Dower he takes his hat off to new Minister Andrew Little.

He says he's clearly had the support of Chris Hipkins to come to the table, which is desperately needed as the force is bleeding experienced personnel.

LISTEN ABOVE

A big pay increase is on the way for our Defence Force in the hope of stemming staff turnover.
The Government is bringing 90 percent of pay in line with market rates, by putting aside nearly $420 million in the Budget.
Another $328 million will also be spent upgrading assets and infrastructure, including Defence Force housing.
Former Defence Minister, Ron Mark told Tim Dower he takes his hat off to new Minister Andrew Little.
He says he's clearly had the support of Chris Hipkins to come to the table, which is desperately needed as the force is bleeding experienced personnel.
LISTEN ABOVE

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Ron Mark: Former Defence Minister takes his hat off to Andrew Little for NZDF pay increase, asset upgrade

A shocking morning for the UK, with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor being held in custody. 

Police have been investigating allegations the former Prince shared confidential information with late sex-offender Jeffrey Epstein.  

The BBC understands Police gave advance warning of his arrest to the Home Office – the UK government's internal affairs department. 

It says his brother King Charles wasn't told of the arrest in advance, but he's released a statement saying the law must take its course. 

UK correspondent Vincent McAviney told Ryan Bridge this marks a huge day. 

He says you have to go back about 350 years since a member of the Royal Family was captured in any way. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

A shocking morning for the UK, with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor being held in custody.&nbsp;
Police have been investigating allegations the former Prince shared confidential information with late sex-offender Jeffrey Epstein. &nbsp;
The BBC understands Police gave advance warning of his arrest to the Home Office – the UK government's internal affairs department.&nbsp;
It says his brother King Charles wasn't told of the arrest in advance, but he's released a statement saying the law must take its course.&nbsp;
UK correspondent Vincent McAviney told Ryan Bridge this marks a huge day.&nbsp;
He says you have to go back about 350 years since a member of the Royal Family was captured in any way.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Vincent McAviney: UK Correspondent on the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/cc71295a-d980-40a4-aa9c-b3f601709752/transcript

The spotlight's on the Royal Family following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. 

This follows allegations the former Prince shared sensitive information with late sex-offender Jeffrey Epstein.  

The family of late Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre, who also accused Mountbatten-Windsor of misconduct, told the BBC they celebrated after hearing of his arrest. 

Mountbatten Windsor's brother King Charles says the law must take its course.  

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told Ryan Bridge with everything in the public eye, it'll be hard to keep calm and carry on. 

He says it seems Mountbatten-Windsor's in for a very tough ride, but so is the Royal Family. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

The spotlight's on the Royal Family following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.&nbsp;
This follows allegations the former Prince shared sensitive information with late sex-offender Jeffrey Epstein. &nbsp;
The family of late Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre, who also accused Mountbatten-Windsor of misconduct, told the BBC they celebrated after hearing of his arrest.&nbsp;
Mountbatten Windsor's brother King Charles says the law must take its course. &nbsp;
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told Ryan Bridge with everything in the public eye, it'll be hard to keep calm and carry on.&nbsp;
He says it seems Mountbatten-Windsor's in for a very tough ride, but so is the Royal Family.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Richard Fitzwilliams: Royal Commentator on the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/0595457d-ae12-4468-926c-b3f6016e1dfe/transcript

There's optimism newly introduced visa-free travel for Chinese and Pacific tourists will prove successful long-term. 

The trial allows visitors to enter New Zealand for up to three months on a valid Australian visa. 

The Government says arrivals have almost tripled since December, reaching 36,800 visits. 

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford told Ryan Bridge the scheme will be reviewed around the 12-month mark to assess its success and any risks. 

She says there's little to no risk, as we're essentially piggybacking off Australia's robust system. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

There's optimism newly introduced visa-free travel for Chinese and Pacific tourists will prove successful long-term.&nbsp;
The trial allows visitors to enter New Zealand for up to three months on a valid Australian visa.&nbsp;
The Government says arrivals have almost tripled since December, reaching 36,800 visits.&nbsp;
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford told Ryan Bridge the scheme will be reviewed around the 12-month mark to assess its success and any risks.&nbsp;
She says there's little to no risk, as we're essentially piggybacking off Australia's robust system.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Erica Stanford: Immigration Minister on the visa pathway for Pacific and Chinese travellers

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/6efb34f2-a12e-4857-8125-b3f6016c9ad2/transcript

Ron Mark: Former Defence Minister takes his hat off to Andrew Little for NZDF pay increase, asset upgrade

In 1 playlist(s)

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips