---
title: "New Zealand Responds to US Demand to Increase Military Spending: 'We Don't Have Billions Under the Sofa'"
description: "New Zealand firmly rejected the US demand to increase military spending to 3.5% of GDP. Finance Minister Nicola Willis stated that the country has no spare billions, and decisions are made based on national interests rather than pressure from Washington. 🇳🇿🇺🇸💰"
date: 2026-06-01T09:56:04.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/new-zealand-rejects-us-demand-to-increase-military-spending
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# New Zealand Responds to US Demand to Increase Military Spending: 'We Don't Have Billions Under the Sofa'

![New Zealand Finance Minister at podium with slogan 'SECURING NEW ZEALAND'S FUTURE' and 'BUDGET 2026' sign, symbolizing the country’s response to US demand for increased military spending](https://xab.info/media/2026/06/01/novaya-zelandiya-otkazalas-uvelicivat-voennye-raskhody-po-trebovaniyu-ssha/novaya-zelandiya-otkazalas-uvelicivat-voennye-raskhody-po-trebovaniyu-ssha-1.webp)

Amidst growing geopolitical tensions and tough demands from Washington for allies to increase defense spending, New Zealand has taken a firm stance on its defense budget. The country's Finance Minister, Nicola Willis, stated directly that Wellington does not have the financial capacity to sharply increase military expenditures to the level demanded by the United States.

The events unfolded in Singapore, where the prestigious Shangri-La Dialogue on Asian security was taking place. It was here that US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth voiced harsh criticism of New Zealand's policy. He stated that the Oceania nation's plans to raise its defense budget to 2% of GDP were insufficient, labeling the strategy itself as an example of 'free-riding'.

The Pentagon chief, effectively setting a new standard for the alliance, hinted that US allies should aim for a much more ambitious figure — 3.5% of GDP. However, in Wellington, such figures were perceived as unrealistic.

### Financial Reality vs. Political Ambitions

Nicola Willis, responsible for the country's budget, did not shy away from answering. In her speech, she emphasized that meeting Washington's demands is a task that New Zealand simply cannot fulfill under current economic conditions.

'It would be extremely difficult. We don't have billions of dollars lying under the sofa,' the minister noted, using a metaphor that immediately became a symbol of Wellington's pragmatic approach to the budget.

According to Willis, the government simply does not have additional financial resources for such a massive increase in the defense budget. Any attempts to artificially inflate military spending without real funds could damage the country's economy.

### Sovereignty in Security Matters

A key point of the New Zealand minister's speech was the statement that defense decisions are made exclusively based on national interests, not under pressure from across the ocean.

'We are doing this because it aligns with our national interests, not because the US asked us to,' Willis emphasized.

She also reminded of the existing planning system: the government has committed to reviewing defense capability development plans every two years. This process takes into account both the global situation and the domestic environment.

Thus, New Zealand confirmed its commitment to alliance obligations but clearly marked the boundaries it is not willing to cross to meet foreign demands. Wellington intends to act in good faith, but within its economic capabilities.