Brash pledges defence spending rise of up to $200m

National Party leader Don Brash, under fire for criticising government policy on Anzac Day, has suggested the defence budget should be increased by up to 20 per cent.

He suggested the defence budget should be an increased by between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, which would add $100 million to $200 million a year.

Dr Brash voiced concern about defence spending, comparing it with Australia's higher rate, when he spoke at the Cenotaph in Wellington.

He said the memory of the Anzacs would be dishonoured "if we allow our defence forces to atrophy in what is clearly an unstable international environment".

Defence Minister Mark Burton said Dr Brash had "crassly politicised" the commemoration service, and New Zealand First MP Ron Mark said National's leader had been foolish to break a long-held convention.

Dr Brash has stood by his comment, and The Press newspaper today quoted him as saying Australia spent twice as much on defence as a percentage of GDP -- 2 per cent compared with New Zealand's 1 per cent.

Asked how a National-led government could afford that while meeting a pledge to cut taxes, Dr Brash said "It's a question of reprioritising".

Dr Brash yesterday defended his remarks, saying he had made "a very careful statement" and had not mentioned issues like scrapping air force strike fighters.

"It is one of the things we have to learn from Anzac Day... one of the things we have to remember is the importance of keeping our defence forces adequately equipped and trained," he said.

Mr Burton said Anzac Day was a time when all New Zealanders expected politicians to show restraint and not use their speeches to score points.

Mr Mark told NZPA Dr Brash should have focused on expressing gratitude to veterans for the service they had given.

He said the previous National-led government had not looked after the army and "virtually destroyed" the territorial force.

- NZPA