But as Admiral Blair on his recent visit warned Labour, peace-keeping isn't only about soldiers on jungle patrols. As a technologically advanced nation we are capable of much more including advanced maritime aircraft and frigates, much of which we have actually built. I hardly need to remind you about National's commitment to peacekeeping. Sending troops to East Timor was one of the hardest, and proudest, decisions I made as Prime Minister. But National believes defence must also be critically committed to ensuring the security and stability of the region while considering peace-keeping an important part of that task.
Labour offers the ambulance at the bottom of the proverbial cliff.
National wants New Zealand to pull its weight to help see that things don't get to that stage. Labour is engaging in double-talk. Defence does not mean defence in Labour's book. They seem to see defence as a trauma relief service for neighbouring countries in turmoil. The impact on our defence forces is stark.