Around 700 New Zealand soldiers and personnel are in Australia for the largest war-fighting and military training exercise in the Southern Hemisphere.

35-thousand soldiers from 19 nations are taking part in it.

The Defence Force says a key goal for them is to be able to integrate its capabilities into Australian and US relations.

The Government also announced ramping up defence spend earlier this year - but as it stands now, and with tensions abroad - how prepared are we?

Tim Beveridge talks to Senior National Officer Lieutenant Colonel Tim Tuatini for more.

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With rising global tensions, market volatility, and an unpredictable international landscape, having a strong and credible foreign voice is becoming more important than ever for New Zealand.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters travelled to Malaysia for a summit with his South East Asian counterparts, where he worked towards a comprehensive strategic partnership by October.

But what does that actually mean for us? What would that relationship deliver in real terms? How are we positioning ourselves in an increasingly contested region?

He’s just come back from his trip — Winston Peters chats to Tim Beveridge.

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Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop is also stopping in Houston, Texas to look at how they've implemented affordable housing.

He's speaking to local experts about their planning, funding and tools that have allowed them to deliver effective housing.

Can the same elements be brought to New Zealand?

ZB Political Editor Jason Walls speaks to Andrew Dickens...

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