Fair call Samuel but....
NZ is small enough that even the Skyhawk could reach AKL in 24mins WGTN in 7mins and CHCH in 28mins if required. (From TO at Ohakea)
Capping NZ is not a capability we have...or could afford. You are correct.
Putting and A4 (or 2) on the line...with a pilot ready to 'scamble' is a Govt call, but we could do it. Tedious as it maybe national defence from seen and unseen enemies is our job! (and a Govt responsibility)
Either for or against, after 8 Dec we will not even have the options outlined above.
The comedy is that the 'Greenies' would probably be up in arms about having a 'loaded' jet on the flightline. Then again do we own any 'winders' that aren't life-ex?