Defence Housing Budget Allocation

She's only lost her twin in the last week, and Linda is entitled, of course, to say exactly what she likes. She she didn't say anything particularly rude, and it's a fair opinion that she holds. But it is becoming a wee bit of a pattern, isn't it? Ministers turning up to the music awards having to sit through that night's chosen form of protest about whatever the problem of the year is. Last year it was the Treaty Principles Bill. This year it's the budget. In Paul Goldsmith's defence, given that he wasn't able to mount one last night. Yes, there was no money in the budget for the arts. There was also no money in the budget for anything. Most of us looked at the budget, found nothing for us. That's how it should be in difficult times. The country is not flush. And yes, there is money for defence, a lot of money for defense. That is how it should be right now. If you were to listen to some, we're only a matter of maybe tens of months away from China potentially taking Taiwan. We have no real conception of what chain of events that will trigger in our region. And even though the drones and the frigate upgrades in this budget will not protect the entire coastline line of New Zealand. That's a fair criticism to make. We are still expected by our allies and our partners to at least try to do our bit. Just try. So hands up which minister wants to go to the awards next year.