On 21 August 2025, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced the New Zealand government’s upcoming investment of over NZ$2 billion to purchase new Seahawk helicopters and Airbus planes. In an article titled Blades of glory: Ministers take model helicopter for a spin after $2 billion spend up, Stuff reported that Collins ‘carried a model Seahawk helicopter and a huge grin with her on Thursday, as she headed to the debating chamber.’ The article continues:
The sight energised some of the MPs, especially on the Government bench. “That’s fantastic,” said Minister for Youth James Meager. Even the Speaker, Gerry Brownlee, was amused. “Oh look at that,” he said. “Just before the minister puts that away, it’s a particularly handsome looking desk model. Just send it my way, please,” he asked. But the model never made it to the Speaker. Instead, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith spent the next few minutes playing with it. He spun the rotors, at the top and back of the helicopter, and carefully eyed the model from every angle… While he was spinning it, he said a missile fell off.
Playing like big kids, did they fight over the model – or, whose desk did it end up on? Even better, did Judith smuggle it home….
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