US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth says New Zealand is 'freeloading' off the American military.

In an address at an Asia-Pacific security conference, Hegseth called for nations to spend 3.5 percent of GDP on defence.

He says Wellington's plan to boost spending to 2 percent in the next eight years isn't enough.

Political commentator Brigitte Morten says recent defence spending moves indicate the Government is aware the sector needs more funding - and they're making moves to boost it.

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US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth says New Zealand is 'freeloading' off the American military.
In an address at an Asia-Pacific security conference, Hegseth called for nations to spend 3.5 percent of GDP on defence.
He says Wellington's plan to boost spending to 2 percent in the next eight years isn't enough.
Political commentator Brigitte Morten says recent defence spending moves indicate the Government is aware the sector needs more funding - and they're making moves to boost it.
LISTEN ABOVE

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The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin

Brigitte Morten: political commentator on US War Secretary Pete Hegseth calling on other countries to spend more on defence

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/ea352b9e-c8c7-4800-94b2-b45a018b06e0/transcript