Home / New ZealandNatasha GordonLive News Reporter·NZ Herald·30 May, 2026 05:45 AM3 mins to read‌US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said New Zealand was "freeloading" off the American military. Video / XUS Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has criticised New Zealand’s level of defence spending, saying the US will no longer tolerate “freeloading” off its military.

“For those who continue to free-ride on the generosity of the American taxpayer, hear us now: those days are over. Allies that refuse to stand

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