Chris Penk promises overhaul of mould‑ridden Defence housing in new plan

2025-11-26

The Government’s released its plan to get our Defence infrastructure up to scratch – some of which hasn’t been touched in decades. The Defence Estate Portfolio sets out how $2.5 billion will be spent over the next 15 years. At the same time, the Future Naval Base Programme is pinned at $4b over 35 years. It’s being called a ‘generational investment in defence infrastructure’. But given the horror stories we’ve heard of black mould, infestations, and asbestos plaguing NZDF owned buildings – w...

The Government’s released its plan to get our Defence infrastructure up to scratch – some of which hasn’t been touched in decades.

The Defence Estate Portfolio sets out how $2.5 billion will be spent over the next 15 years.

At the same time, the Future Naval Base Programme is pinned at $4b over 35 years.

It’s being called a ‘generational investment in defence infrastructure’.

But given the horror stories we’ve heard of black mould, infestations, and asbestos plaguing NZDF owned buildings – will this all be enough?

Today on The Front Page, Associate Minister of Defence and Minister for Building and Construction, Chris Penk, is with us to dive into an area that’s been chronically underinvested for far too long.

Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.

Host: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comments (3)