TVNZ has been escorted out of the Pentagon moments before a crucial defence meeting between Judith Collins and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth despite being promised access.
Ahead of the meeting, the Pentagon had assured TVNZ and the NZ Embassy that the 1News US Correspondent would be allowed to film the start of the meeting and report on opening remarks.
But as Collins, New Zealand’s Defence Minister, was arriving, a media liaison officer said permission had been revoked.
1News was later told that order came from the Secretary of War’s office. The only content provided would come from his office.
Speaking to 1News after the meeting, Collins said: “I had no idea you had been [removed] until after we were told.
“So, that was obviously too late for us to intervene because we didn’t know this had happened.”
It comes days after most of the Pentagon press corp handed in their press badges and walked out of the building after refusing to sign a pledge that involved a promise to only report on information coming from official Pentagon channels.
It seems there were other last-minute changes to the schedule — instead of the planned personal welcome from Hegseth, Collins was met by Under-Secretary of Defence Eldridge Colby before being taken to the meeting room for the Hegseth meeting.
The Pentagon later said the decision came after Hegseth was delayed following another engagement at the White House.
“Press were not invited due to the last-minute adjustment in participation.
“This was purely logistical and not a reflection of the importance the Department places on our defense relationship with New Zealand.
“The Secretary appreciated the productive discussion and reaffirmed the United States’ enduring commitment to New Zealand and our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
Collins later told 1News about some of the contents of the meeting.
“We discussed all sorts of opportunities we have working together, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. But also, the very close relationship we have,” she said.
“We talked about the Seahawks we are buying; we talked about some of the issues we have in relation to foreign military sales rules and the [Information Technology Agreements] to make sure we can try and get through those and make it easier for New Zealand businesses to do business with the US.”
