I agree whole-heartedly that the cash should have gone to the rest of the NZDF and that this is the core issue, if not in whole, then at least in part.
But I do believe though, that NZ is better placed and can contribute more by focussing on our other assets. Losing the strike capability per-se is no reason to get hot under the collar at the government.
I am somewhat circumspect about investment in another Navy frigate however. There is some interesting academic discussion in the UK about the continued effectiveness of such classes of vessel.
I would like to say that NZ will still see an increased investment in the defense forces as a whole. From personal experience, they could start by improving basic soldiers kit - purchasing our own webbing, humping Ellis packs and still getting by with an AN/PRC-77 set was pretty sad.