A defence consultant says it's clear what position New Zealand's local defence industry could fill

A four-year Defence Industry Strategy's been released, after confirmation of 12 billion dollars of spending, in the Defence Capability Plan.

It aims to boost the local sector - and also requires multinational defence suppliers to use local delivery, in defence infrastructure.

Defence Consultant Josh Wineera says New Zealand can give Australia strategic depth, just as Aussie does for the US.

He says New Zealand can fill that role for Australia, as we have strong regions with heavy industry, with high end engineering and manufacturing.