The Perceived Threat....
No threat eh???? Well a very poor understanding by any individual whom beleives this, also showing a general lack of understanding in regional politics and more importantly the exploitation of Australian and NZ natural resources, primariliy in the fishing industry. The Asian fishing industry has basically collapsed and the only way to sutsain a living is to go and pilfer neighbouring countries ie. OZ and NZ who have a very healthy and well managed fishing industry. And of course all the neighbouring countries around Oz and NZ politically are so stable aren't they.......not!!!!!!! (examples for those not familiar, Fiji, East Timor, Papua New Guinea.....blah blah blah)
Before the dibandment of the Air Attack Force in NZ, the A4, whilst not common knowledge to most, was actively utilized in stopping a vessel (with the use of his snarly cannon I might add!) which had been illegally operating in NZ waters. This but one occassion of a few, and probably countless others over the years involving the P3 maritime patrol assets.
At the very least in Australian and NZ defense intrests it is so important that a credible, if not a very potent, maritime patrol and strike capability be maintained in the Austrlalian and New Zealand waters, the make-up of which has to comprise the venerable P3 "type" platform and a pointy striker of the F111 "type" performance and capability.....!!!!! This without any doubt will also have to be supplemented by an efficient, modern sea based naval capability.
Complacency will mean economic and political ruin and.....military embarressment.
PS Sorry about the recent election results NZ, still could be worse, could be having to live there putting up with it!
:o