Around 700 New Zealand soldiers and personnel are in Australia for the largest war-fighting and military training exercise in the Southern Hemisphere.

35-thousand soldiers from 19 nations are taking part in it.

The Defence Force says a key goal for them is to be able to integrate its capabilities into Australian and US relations.

The Government also announced ramping up defence spend earlier this year - but as it stands now, and with tensions abroad - how prepared are we? 

Tim Beveridge talks to Senior National Officer Lieutenant Colonel Tim Tuatini for more.

LISTEN ABOVE

Around 700 New Zealand soldiers and personnel are in Australia for the largest war-fighting and military training exercise in the Southern Hemisphere.
35-thousand soldiers from 19 nations are taking part in it.
The Defence Force says a key goal for them is to be able to integrate its capabilities into Australian and US relations.
The Government also announced ramping up defence spend earlier this year - but as it stands now, and with tensions abroad - how prepared are we?&nbsp;
Tim Beveridge talks to Senior National Officer Lieutenant Colonel Tim Tuatini for more.
LISTEN ABOVE

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Lt. Col Tim Tuatini: We especially need to be combat-ready  now

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/7b195ff6-a4b9-4674-8f8d-b31900407334/transcript