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Wairarapa MP, Georgina Beyer, has applauded the announcement from Defence Minister Mark Burton of a pay rise for the majority of Defence Force personnel.
"The pay increases have been targeted at lower paid ranks and identified technical trades with recruitment and retention problems," Ms Beyer said.
Over 80 percent of uniformed defence force personnel will receive increases. The average increase is 5 percent and individual increases range from 1 to 19 percent.
"I am pleased the Government has responded to the request from the Chief of Defence Force, Air Marshal Carey Adamson, for additional funding. In contrast, the last two pay rounds under National had to be funded by making cuts elsewhere in the Defence budget," said Ms Beyer.
The Government's funding support is immediate and the pay rises will apply from May the first.
"This new expenditure follows a robust assessment of remuneration levels, and recruitment and retention issues," Ms Beyer said.
"After years of decline, we have taken a significant step towards bringing pay rates into line with comparable occupations in the private sector. The junior ranks of our army, navy and airforce have demonstrated time and time again their professionalism and commitment, and they deserve this recognition.
"These targeted pay rises are part of a rational and systematic approach to setting priorities for Defence spending. This approach will be further demonstrated next month when the Government announces a series of decisions on future defence capabilities."
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