NZ, Aussie defence ties 'as close as ever'

One hundred years after Australian and New Zealand troops fought and died together at Gallipoli, the two defence forces are just as close as ever.

Defence Minister Kevin Andrews and his New Zealand counterpart Gerry Brownlee have just completed their annual ministerial talks in Auckland, declaring the defence relationship remained as important as ever.

Both nations are set to release new defence white papers in coming months, exploring opportunities to enhance force interoperability and further align strategic and policy approaches.