NoseGear
It is hard enough getting someone to admit they're a New Zealander, let alone the fact they voted Labor. It was doubtful, victory for the conservative government would have resulted in a reinstatement of the strike wing- so I would say your statement that most, if not all Kiwi's fecked off with the labor government should be more along the lines that, due isolation, Kiwi's have learnt that they can bludge in defence too.
What makes it all worse is the parochialism of the New Zealander. For example, even though your defence forces are so appallingly run down, 90% of their roles could be fullfilled by contracted civil defence services, you keep in place an air force with expensive, unneccessary structures for the capability it delivers.
But to disband your air force, create a cheaper and as effective civilian flying wing, would be a total admission by the New Zealnder that they are bludgers. As it stands, the fascade that is the New Zealand Defence Force, has you all pretending you have a role to play in regional issues.
On your last contention, RAAF fighters could slot in and replace RAF Harriers at deployments end in a close air support role- and it may happen. Granted, your reference to joint operations, which returns us to the fact that the only meaningful combat capability the New Zealanders have is a handful of SAS- who arrive in thearte ineffective until they can beg, borrow or steal suitable equipment their bludging public won't provide them with!