Why Type 31 could fit New Zealand's naval needs

What kind of future surface combatant would suit New Zealand's naval requirements?

A Type 31-based frigate would provide a practical platform for the presence missions of a relatively small navy, with expansion possible if threats increase.

New Zealand does not require a large navy unless regional pressure grows substantially, but it does need enough ships to appear and operate where required. Presence depends on hull numbers and availability as well as the individual combat power of each ship. A Type 31 basis offers a practical general-purpose frigate rather than an oversized specialist fleet for that mission. If the regional threat worsened, New Zealand would need to expand the wider fleet as well.