In 1998 New Zealand government ordered 28 F - 16A/B Fighting Falcon to replace their A - 4 K Skyhawk fleet. This order was cancelled by the incoming Labour government in 1999, who then disbanded No. 2 (Skyhawk), No 75 (Skyhawk) & 14 (Aeremacchi) squadrons, leaving the RNZAF without an air combat capability. From Wiki - by 2003 the RNZAF was reduced to 53 aircraft and approximately 2,500 personnel.
Therefore, how can the RNZAF maintain an air combat capability to the present day and, what changes would be needed to achieve it? Does the RNZAF need to wage a more effective PR war in the 1990s to keep the Kiwi public on side, regarding the need to maintain an air combat capability and what other replacement aircraft are available for the RNZAF to consider?
Edit: Dates & Squadron Numbers edited based on Mumble's advice.