New Zealand’s government will boost defence spending by 9 per cent, according to its 2026 budget unveiled on Thursday (May 28). Defence Minister Chris Penk says New Zealand needs to better protect its sovereignty and maritime interests amid an increasingly contested security environment. Speaking to CNA's Tan Qiuyi on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, he discusses plans to modernise New Zealand’s military capabilities, and outlines how the country is deepening defence