That given their geography and political situation, only a nation with malice towards them and possessing a significant carrier force could require them to have an airforce... what enemies do they have that fit the bill...? none...

A strong airforce wont stop sept. 11th attacks... that didnt work for us, did it?

maybe they just realize they have very little to worry about- We in the US have a totally different situation. We are threatened... But NZ? Look their actions reflect reality... just because we have forseeable natl. threats doesnt mean everyone else needs to be armed to the teeth even if they have none...

Not flaming here, just pointing out that there are very different realities for other nations that arent superpowers, (or the superpower).