The Defence Force is keeping details of its cost cuts secret. 

But Newstalk ZB can reveal NZDF admitted, in internal communications, that it would have to scale back or cut programmes that impact how people view the force, and New Zealand's reputation. 

The defence force also noted the sinking of the Manawanui added to its financial struggles. 

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Hayden Ricketts told Ryan Bridge that since there’s going to be a $12 billion investment over the next four years, they’re unable to cut what is normally one of the first things to go: personnel. 

He says that NZDF is going to need civilian workers to do the introduction of service, to do the staff work, to do the business cases and the papers for cabinet that comes with that money.  

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