Tahr I respect your viewpoint - it is a noble desire to want peace. I think we all do.
Peace as a concept, does not exist. It is temporary. Peace doesn't come naturally - it is enforced, one of my favourite sayings is "Si vis pacem, para bellum (If you desire peace, prepare for war).
Accordingly one should the need arise, be prepared to defend themselves and their peers from the next disruption of peace.
New Zealand is very lucky in that it is the most geographically isolated country of any significance on earth. Untouched by any war except domestic conflicts. Any country wanting to conquer New Zealand would need to project and sustain forces over large distances - and control Australia first.
It won't last forever. In a world of depleting resources and expanding population growth and requirements for resources, New Zealand will be, I feel - the last untapped resource. I think a sense of preparedness would hold us in good stead.
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