Chris Penk: Defence Minister on the decisions surrounding the nearing replacement of our warships

The Defence Minister says we can't just follow Australia's footsteps as the time for replacing our two ageing warships nears.  The NZ Initiative says the frigates need to retire within a decade, with complex geopolitics adding urgency.  It says the replacements will impact our status as a maritime nation, and our trade routes and defence capabilities for the next generation.  Minister Chris Penk told Kerre Woodham we want to be able to coordinate with Australia but have other needs.  He says it might come down to cost, different capability needs, or wanting to be more active in the Antarctic, for example.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.