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The Government has unveiled a long-term rescue plan for New Zealand’s ageing Defence Force estate, warning that decades of underinvestment have left military facilities fragile, outdated and increasingly at risk of failure.
Associate Defence Minister Chris Penk said more than 70 per cent of Defence Force infrastructure now has less than 20 years of useful life remaining, with some facilities so degraded that training, operations and even personnel safety could soon be compromised.
“The national security of New Zealand depends on a strong Defence estate that empowers the Force to perform at its best,” Penk said. “Sadly, our infrastructure is not equipped to realise this vision. Much of it is aged, fragile and prone to failure.”
Penk said failing to act would lead to facility closures, degraded training that undermines operational capability, and “increased risks to personnel”.
The new Defence Estate Portfolio Plan (DEPP) sets out a long-term vision to regenerate the entire Defence estate by 2040. It outlines investment priorities for the $2.5 billion earmarked in the Defence Capability Plan 2025 to upgrade infrastructure over the next four years, subject to annual budgets.
The plan replaces earlier regeneration strategies and takes what Penk describes as a more “holistic portfolio approach”, pulling together critical assets, training infrastructure and Defence housing into one rebuild programme.
Future Naval Base Programme approved
As part of the DEPP, Cabinet has approved the Future Naval Base Programme, a major overhaul of Devonport Naval Base, New Zealand’s only naval port.
“Devonport Naval Base is vital to the Defence Force, yet the current infrastructure cannot fully meet the Navy’s operational, training and support requirements,” Penk said.
The programme will deliver new accommodation, upgraded training facilities, wharf improvements and modernised horizontal infrastructure such as utilities and services. Associated Defence sites at Narrow Neck, Kauri Point and the Tamaki Leadership Centre at Whangaparāoa will also receive upgrades.
The first tranche is already underway, supported by $25 million in capital funding from Budget 2025.
Five key programmes continue
Alongside the naval base rebuild, the DEPP backs the continuation of five major infrastructure and capability programmes:
- Defence Estate Regeneration Programme (DERP): Renewing ageing, service-critical infrastructure across camps, bases, training areas and regional facilities.
- Horizontal Infrastructure Workstream: Upgrading core services including water, power, ICT and roads.
- Homes for Families Programme: Providing modern housing for Defence families at multiple locations.
- Ōhakea Infrastructure Programme: Supporting Air Force capability through targeted upgrades at RNZAF Base Ōhakea.
- Accommodation Messing and Dining Modernisation Programme: Upgrading barracks, messing and dining facilities to improve living standards and support retention.
Jobs and local economic benefits
Penk said the DEPP marked a “generational investment” in Defence infrastructure that would strengthen military readiness, support personnel wellbeing and boost the building and construction sector nationwide.
“Renovations and new projects across bases and camps will create jobs and economic opportunities in local communities for years to come,” he said.
“This Government is investing in the foundations of our Defence Force. We are building the infrastructure that enables capability, supports our hard-working servicemen and women, and safeguards our country.”
