Parliament Passes Bill Ensuring Defence Continuity During Industrial Action

“The security of New Zealand is a 24/7 issue, and our Defence Force works 365 days a year to preserve it,” Minister Collins said.

A new law aimed at preserving New Zealand’s national security during periods of industrial action has passed its final reading in Parliament, Defence Minister Judith Collins has announced. The Defence (Workforce) Amendment Bill grants the Chief of Defence Force expanded powers to redeploy personnel and ensure critical defence operations continue uninterrupted, even when civilian staff are on strike.

“The security of New Zealand is a 24/7 issue, and our Defence Force works 365 days a year to preserve it,” Minister Collins said. “This legislation ensures we can continue to do so, even under exceptional workforce conditions.”

Addressing Vulnerabilities in National Security

The Bill is a response to vulnerabilities exposed during recent industrial action — notably the strike by NZDF civilian staff in December 2024, which underscored how essential roles such as guarding weapons stores and maintaining aircraft can be left unfilled during such disruptions.

“Under the previous legislation, there were times when industrial action could put New Zealand’s national security at risk,” Collins explained. “For example, when civilian staff take industrial action, this could mean munitions and weapons stores are left unguarded.”

This incident prompted swift government action to ensure that the Defence Force would not be left without adequate contingency measures during future strikes.

Key Provisions of the Amendment

The Defence (Workforce) Amendment Bill introduces several key changes:

• Authorisation for Uniformed Personnel: The Chief of Defence Force can now assign military personnel to temporarily perform the duties of civilian staff if national security or core defence operations are jeopardised.

• Ministerial Oversight Without Parliamentary Delay: The requirement for Parliament to debate internal NZDF redeployment strategies has been removed. Instead, the Defence Minister can authorise temporary redeployments directly, with a clear time limit tied to the duration of the strike.

• Extended Support Outside NZDF: In rare situations where military personnel are needed to backfill roles in the wider public service, the authorisation period has been extended from 14 to 30 days. The Bill also removes the need for Parliament to reconvene if the House is not sitting when the authorisation lapses.

“These changes preserve the right for civilian staff to take industrial action, while ensuring the security and safety of New Zealanders,” Collins said.

Balancing Civil Liberties With Strategic Readiness

Importantly, the Government emphasized that the right of Defence civilian staff to undertake industrial action remains intact. The legislation is designed not to suppress those rights but to balance them against the non-negotiable requirement of national defence.

“We’ve made common-sense changes that ensure national security is upheld without undermining workers’ rights,” said Collins.

Ensuring Operational Continuity in a Tense Strategic Climate

The move comes amid what Defence and intelligence leaders have described as a “deteriorating strategic environment” across the Indo-Pacific region and globally. New Zealand is bolstering its defence readiness in the face of growing cyber threats, regional instability, and the shifting geopolitical balance.

“This Bill ensures that our Defence Force is ready and able to protect New Zealand and its interests,” Collins concluded.

The legislation aligns with broader defence reforms aimed at modernising the force and building resilience. It also sends a signal to both the public and international partners that New Zealand is serious about maintaining operational continuity in all circumstances.

As the Defence Force continues its work safeguarding the nation — from military bases and strategic assets to logistics and technological development — this legislative update ensures that no critical function is left vulnerable, even amid domestic labour disputes.