New Zealand First 'best defence'

By AUDREY YOUNG

New Zealand First has won an accolade from the Save Our Squadrons Campaign which describes the party as having the most original and sophisticated defence policy of all parties.

The lobby group credits New Zealand First MP Ron Mark, a former Army major, with giving the policy credibility. The party was promising to create a new maritime-focused defence force along the lines of the Royal Marines and the US Marine Corps.

Save Our Squadrons also rates Act highly, but says National, in third place, has a policy lacking detail, verve and originality.

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