New Zealand is not exactly known as a major military power, but it plans to nearly double its defence spending. What is driving this strategic shift and what are the implications for the region?

New Zealand is not exactly known as a major military power.

For decades the country has relied on its geographical isolation and the reassuring presence of the Australian Defence Force on its western flank, rather than building up its own forces.

But as the world becomes more perilous and uncertain, all that is changing rapidly.

Yesterday afternoon NZ Prime Minister Christopher Luxon unveiled perhaps the most significant boost to NZ’s defence spending in years — promising to almost double defence spending over the next eight years.