Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Legislation to allow uniformed Defence personnel to cover striking civilian workers has passed in Parliament.
The defence minister said it would keep the Defence Force ready and able to protect New Zealand's national security.
Soldiers cannot take industrial action, but civilians employed by the Defence Force can.
In 2024, Judith Collins invoked a rarely-used power to allow uniformed service men and women to carry out civilian work.
The new legislation bakes in the ability for the minister to authorise having uniformed staff fill in, and removes a requirement for Parliament having to debate every time the power is used.
The Defence (Workforce) Amendment Bill passed with the support of government parties, while the opposition voted against the bill.
Collins said civilian staff played a "significant" role, and while their right to take industrial action was fundamental, it could put New Zealand's national security at risk if there was no cover.
"The security of New Zealand is a 24/7 issue, 365 days of the year," she said.
"These changes strike a balance between ensuring industrial action can still go ahead and have its intended effect, while ensuring that critical activities can continue, that both health and safety are protected, and that national security is not put at risk."
Parliament would still be notified whenever the power is used, as well as the reasons why, and any MP can bring the matter to the House for further scrutiny.
Labour's defence spokesperson Peeni Henare said it should always come back to the House for consideration.
"Not something that continues to put power in the hands of the few. That's something we will always stand up against."
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