A joint ANZAC military task force could be a reality by the end of the year. Defence Minister Wayne Mapp said plans are being made for a permanent contingent of about 150 New Zealand and Australian troops to work together.
They would take part in peacekeeping operations, and be deployed on disaster relief missions.
Dr Mapp said he and his Australian counterpart have asked defence forces to come up with a range of options in the next couple of months. They will then nut out the best arrangement to put to their respective Prime Ministers.
Dr Mapp told TVNZ's Q&A programme the idea is being worked on by military chiefs on both sides of the Tasman. The task force would be able to respond quickly to natural disasters in the Pacific, and help in peacekeeping missions.
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