The Prime Minister's defending taking a backup Defence Force plane to the 55th Pacific Islands Forum.

Two 575s were deployed to take Chris Luxon to Palau.

The fleet's been plagued with break-downs, and is being replaced as part of the Defence Capability Plan. 

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says there's a fair case for this, given that New Zealand has a responsibility to make sure the delegation runs smoothly.

LISTEN ABOVE

The Prime Minister's defending taking a backup Defence Force plane to the 55th Pacific Islands Forum.
Two 575s were deployed to take Chris Luxon to Palau.
The fleet's been plagued with break-downs, and is being replaced as part of the Defence Capability Plan.&nbsp;
Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says there's a fair case for this, given that New Zealand has a responsibility to make sure the delegation runs smoothly.
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on Chris Luxon defending taking backup Defence Force plane to Pacific Islands Forum

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/cee462bb-f1eb-4ff4-9dff-b4ba005d5875/transcript