Seriously how much worse off would the country be if one of the minor parties were elected in? Because National or Labour haven't exactly done a 'TOP NOTCH' job now have they. Whats needed is "direct democracy", where the people of NZ vote what the politicians do. First on the block would be those in Government get a salary cut before anyone else. I feel sorry for those that have served our country are put through by the fat politicians put them through.

Always interesting to read all of the comments from people who are both well informed and ill-informed. As someone with an interest in defence (but not a defence force member) I have followed this closely and think I can answer a few of the questions that have been asked or correct a few assumptions. 1. The people that talk about the blue collar workers getting shafted are a bit out of touch. As a percentage, it is in fact the highest ranks being hit the hardest with 25% of Colonels getting made redundant versus 2-3% at the lower levels. The Lt Colonels and Majors have also been very hard hit.....the hardest hit of all have been Warrant Officers who are really the top of the "blue collar" pile with about 30% of them going 2. Many of the people going are not deployable but there are also some good people going as there is a target that must be met from a $$ perspective 3. Civilians are $16k per year cheaper as they don't get paid a bunch of allowances or get free medical - saying that though, many in defence would argue that these 'perks' are needed to give them a comparable wage so it will be interesting if civilians can be found to do the same job for less

Oh well at least Keith Locke will be happy.

Its a pity Key never looked around to see the dead wood that hes in the middle of . I feel sorry for those in the defence force retrenched . I think the army needs to change its direction and train more tradesmen amongst the ranks once soldier training is completed . They would then serve a dual purpose and be an asset and not a liability . The rebuilding of Ch Ch is an example . The gov could help with its own tradies . Millions would be saved .

Unfortunantly my Uncle and many other of my parents friend's lost there jobs in Waiouru. Its not even a letting go itsmore like a stab in the back i.e. pulling off 20+ years in the DF and they go " oh we dont need to assistance anymore thats what the recruits are for now " Its sad, luckily my Dad signed a contract and is safe from this torture.

Just Remember a vote for John Key and National is a tick in the box for " please tick if unemployed "

Good move! Its about time the defence force was given a shake up. Navy staff only work a 5 hour day anyway..

DISGRACEFUL!

well done john key you sacked a lot of people today and made it harder for them and their familys where was the ethos and values they were all taught shame u dont pgame u dont have the same

Why didn't they get rid of more senior Officers? Surely if you wanted to save money through wages, you'd aim for the guys that are getting paid the most? Does an Army as small as NZ's really need 130 odd Colonels?

What does this say to the rest of NZDF? I work along side NZDF personal everyday and know personally one of those who were laid off. He is a loyal dedicated person who has spent over 30yrs serving his country to the best of his abilities, everyday he does his best for his country by making NZDF contractors like myself present value for the taxpayers dollar. We the public of New Zealand have a social contract with NZDF personal and we the public have broken that contract. Next time we need NZDF personal to come and assist us in a natural disaster emergancy's we just get the response of "whats in it for me?" But they wont do that weather you agree with a standing Defense Force or not these people are prepared to put themselves in situations that other won't and that deserves respect and our loyalty in return. My friend and others who were made redundant thank you so very much for what you have done for this country and I am not talking about going into conflicts but all the work you do in our communities everyday with no acknowledgment, just ask the people of Christchurch.