The government has introduced a long-term strategy to upgrade Defence Force infrastructure that will boost military resilience and generate building and construction employment throughout New Zealand.
“The national security of New Zealand depends on a strong Defence estate that empowers the Force to perform at its best,” Associate Minister Chris Penk says.
“Modern facilities support personnel to train, deploy and operate equipment at their peak, while safe and healthy workplaces and homes are essential for their wellbeing.
“Sadly, our infrastructure is not equipped to realise this vision. Much of it is aged, fragile and prone to failure, with more than 70% of New Zealand Defence Force infrastructure now having less than 20 years of useful life remaining.
“Failure to act will result in facility closures, degraded training that undermines operational capability, and increased risks to personnel. Regenerating the estate is essential to maintain a high level of operational readiness.”
The Defence Estate Portfolio Plan (DEPP) outlines a long-term vision to achieve regeneration by 2040, guaranteeing that our camps, bases, and training areas are suitable and properly equipped to support the requirements of a modern Defence Force.
The DEPP presents investment priorities for the $2.5 billion allocated in the Defence Capability Plan 2025 to upgrade and reinforce Defence infrastructure over the next four years, contingent on annual budget approvals.
“It replaces earlier regeneration plans and takes a more holistic portfolio approach by bringing together service-critical assets, training infrastructure, and housing across the Defence estate,” Penk said.
Under the DEPP, the Cabinet has approved the Future Naval Base Programme.
“Devonport Naval Base is vital to the Defence Force as New Zealand’s only naval port, yet the current infrastructure cannot fully meet the Navy’s operational, training and support requirements.”
“The programme addresses historic underinvestment with significant new projects to provide fit-for-purpose accommodation, training facilities, wharf improvements and horizontal infrastructure.
“Investment also extends to associated sites such as Narrow Neck, Kauri Point, and the Tamaki Leadership Centre at Whangaparāoa.”
“These upgrades will be rolled out in tranches, enhancing the Royal New Zealand Navy’s ability to operate safely and effectively. The first tranche is already underway, with $25 million in capital funding provided through Budget 2025.”
In addition to the Future Naval Base Programme, the DEPP endorses the ongoing progress of five other programmes that enhance defence capability and renew infrastructure. These include the Defence Estate Regeneration Programme (DERP), which means upgrading ageing, service-critical infrastructure by utilising depreciation reserves across camps, bases, training areas, and regional facilities.
The Horizontal Infrastructure Workstream, which involves upgrading services like water, power, ICT, and roads across Defence sites. Other programmes are:
- Homes for Families Programme – Delivering modern housing for Defence families at multiple locations.
- Ōhakea Infrastructure Programme – Supporting Air Force capability through targeted infrastructure upgrades at RNZAF Base Ōhakea.
- Accommodation Messing and Dining Modernisation Programme – Upgrading barracks, messing and dining facilities to improve living standards and support retention.
“This is a generational investment in defence infrastructure that strengthens strategic objectives, bolsters preparedness, and ensures our people have the facilities to excel at work and recharge while off duty,” Penk said.