Yeah, superb. I don't see how you can say "Vote national" while in the same breath quoting their policies vis a vis supporting the yanks. Saying New Zealand's record is second to Australia's because of a refusal to backup America and the govt here in England is absurd, and will be viewed as such, the world over.
I for one think its a fair call that Helen made the decision to abandon Ohakea and our strike capability. Nothing against the abilities of our A4 crews and the aircraft themselves, but with limited defense budgets far better to focus attention on improving Hercs, P3's and Iroquois; whose records have undeniably served more use to the country. If any squadron was going to go, surely this is the one that had to be chopped? The question is, should one have gone in the first place...that is moot.
Sure we can play on about future threats etc etc, but the best place for NZ to play its role in the worlds military allegiences is either with logistical support and specialist foot soldier support in the form of the "squadron", OR, peacekeeping roles. Other than that, offensive air weapons have been too rarely used and in all likelyhood still will be too rarely used, to justify their existence.
It's a tough decision, but one that needs to be taken. Seen it made with the Comanche, perhaps should have been made with the F22 and Typhoon. We all like our planes, especially new shiny ones, but white elephants have to be seen and prevented. Expensive, redundant squadrons are the same. They can perform their role admirably, but one also has to step back and consider their relevence.
Someone earlier brought up 9/11 as a motivation for keeping an attack squadron. I think Afghanistan and Iraq are prime examples that offensive, devistating military operations AREN'T of use to NZ. Seems they wouldn't have been invited to play with the yanks anyway, until they are needed to clean up the mess. I challenge anyone to tell me that having A4's deliving 500 pounders onto the Middle-eastern soil will make NZ safer.
I fear from some of the above threads theres still far too much of a "reds under the beds" attitude prevalent in NZ. Sure, if your ex-75 SQN its understandably regardless of perceived threat: its your job and you have every right to want to maintain it. Outside of that circle I think New Zealand needs to be a little more objective.