Story perspectives

NZ First Proposes Cancelling $6–8B Frigate Replacement Program

By Drooid · Oct 30, 2026 · How we work

Read the story

Story summary

Summary

NZ First leader Ron Mark proposes cancelling the Navy’s frigate replacement programme.
The cancelled frigates were priced at $6-8 billion upfront and $22 billion over 30 years.
Mark says the funds will buy uncrewed drones, munitions and support local manufacturers.
Labour’s Damien O’Connor urges caution, demanding versatile, long-term frigate options.
UK Vice-Admiral Steve Moorhouse warned a frigate-less fleet would need costly radar protection.

History

The 1966 Defence White Paper, signed by Defence Secretary Denis Healey, cancelled the CVA-01 carrier programme that had envisioned four £60 million ships, shifting focus to RAF-based strike aircraft. That cut ended Britain’s post-war carrier build-up and now echoes New Zealand’s 2024 debate, where Minister Ron Mark proposes dropping a $6-8 billion frigate project amid warnings from Damien O’Connor and Vice-Admiral Steve Moorhouse.

1 of 2

The 1966 Defence White Paper, signed by Defence Secretary Denis Healey, cancelled the CVA-01 carrier programme that had envisioned four £60 million ships, shifting focus to RAF-based strike aircraft. That cut ended Britain’s post-war carrier build-up and now echoes New Zealand’s 2024 debate, where Minister Ron Mark proposes dropping a $6-8 billion frigate project amid warnings from Damien O’Connor and Vice-Admiral Steve Moorhouse.

1 / 2