When Newzeland  disband her  fighter  squadron Australian's  response was clear  and  brief

--" they will be encounter with the  consequnce  themself "  they  said.

 

 Probably New Zeland scared  the arm  race  in the South  Asia  hoped  to  be  part  of  another  world.

NZ has no need of a fighter squadron.  Being of White, Christian, European decent, and being part of the Commonwealth they have friends.

 

Far better that they spend the resources on maritime patrol and rescue capabilities which will 100% be used every year than on fighters which will 100% never be used, ever. 

Her isolation makes a compelling argument , for now. Still one has to wonder if a 9/11 situation were to arise down there they would be pretty helpless to stop it. The danger with losing the fast jet pilot skill set is it takes many years to get it back. If New Zealand's situation were to change suddenly they wouldn't be able to just resurrect their fast jet fleet overnight.

Really though it's pretty clear that should the need arise NZ is counting on the US Navy to ride to the rescue. Pretty convent way for them to save money.