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Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2008

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Part 4: Departmental financial statements (continued)

Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 30 June 2008

Note 1: Statement of accounting policies

Reporting Entity

The Ministry of Defence (the Ministry) is a government department as defined by section 2 of the Public Finance Act 1989 and is domiciled in New Zealand.

In addition, the Ministry has reported on Crown activities which it administers.

The primary objective of the Ministry is to provide services to the public rather than making a financial return. Accordingly, the Ministry has designated itself as a public benefit entity for the purpose of New Zealand equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (NZ IFRS).

The financial statements of the Ministry are for the year ended 30 June 2008. The financial statements were authorised for issue by the Chief Executive of the Ministry on 30 September 2008.

Basis of preparation

The financial statements of the Ministry have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Public Finance Act 1989, which includes the requirement to comply with New Zealand generally accepted accounting practices (NZ GAAP).

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with, and comply with, NZ IFRS as appropriate for public benefit entities.

This is the first set of financial statements prepared using NZ IFRS. The comparatives for the year ended 30 June 2007 have been restated to NZ IFRS accordingly. A reconciliation of equity for the year ended 30 June 2007 under NZ IFRS to the balances reported in the 30 June 2007 financial statements is detailed in note 20.

The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these financial statements and in preparing an opening NZ IFRS statement of financial position as at 1 July 2006 for the purposes of the transition to NZ IFRS.

The financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, modified by the revaluation of certain financial instruments (including derivative instruments).

The financial statements are presented in New Zealand dollars and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand dollars ($000). The functional currency of the Ministry is New Zealand dollars.

Revenue

Revenue is measured at the fair value of consideration received.

Revenue Crown

Revenue earned from the supply of outputs to the Crown is recognised as revenue when earned.

Interest

Interest income is recognised using the effective interest method.

Capital charge

The capital charge is recognised as an expense in the period to which the charge relates.

Operating leases

An operating lease is a lease that does not transfer substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of an asset. Lease payments under an operating lease are recognised as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Financial instruments

Financial assets and financial liabilities are initially measured at fair value plus transaction costs unless they are carried at fair value through profit or loss in which case the transaction costs are recognised in the statement of financial performance.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash includes cash on hand and funds on deposit with banks.

Debtors and other receivables

Debtors and other receivables are initially measured at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate, less impairment changes.

Impairment of a receivable is established when there is objective evidence that the Ministry will not be able to collect amounts due according to the original terms of the receivable. Significant financial difficulties of the debtor, probability that the debtor will enter into bankruptcy, and default in payments are considered indicators that the debtor is impaired. The amount of the impairment is the difference between the asset's carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted using the original effective interest rate. The carrying amount of the asset is reduced through the use of an allowance account, and the amount of the loss is recognised in the statement of financial performance. Overdue receivables that are renegotiated are reclassified as current (i.e. not past due).

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment consists of leasehold improvements, furniture and office equipment.

Property, plant and equipment is shown at cost, less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.

Individual assets, or group of assets, are capitalised if their cost is greater than $5,000. The value of an individual asset that is less than $5,000 and is part of a group of similar assets is capitalised.

Additions

The cost of an item of property, plant and equipment is recognised as an asset if, and only if, it is probable that future economic benefits or service potential associated with the item will flow to the Ministry and the cost of the item can be measured reliably.

In most instances, an item of property, plant and equipment is recognised at its cost. Where an asset is acquired at no cost, or for a nominal cost, it is recognised at fair value as at the date of acquisition.

Disposals

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount of the asset. Gains and losses on disposals are included in the statement of financial performance.

Subsequent costs

Costs incurred subsequent to initial acquisition are capitalised only when it is probable that future economic benefits or service potential associated with the item will flow to the Ministry and the cost of the item can be measured reliably.

Depreciation

Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis on all property, plant and equipment at rates that will write off the cost (or valuation) of the assets to their estimated residual values over their useful lives. The useful lives and associated depreciation rates of major classes of assets have been estimated as follows:

Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the unexpired period of the lease or the estimated remaining useful lives of the improvements, which ever is the shorter.

The residual value and useful life of an asset is reviewed, and adjusted if applicable, at each financial year-end.

Intangible assets

Software acquisition

Computer software that is not integral to the operation of the hardware is recorded as an intangible asset at cost and amortised on a straight line basis.

Costs associated with maintaining computer software are recognised as an expense when incurred. Direct costs that are associated with the development of the software are recognised as an intangible asset. Direct costs include the software development, employee costs and an appropriate portion of relevant overheads.

Staff training costs are recognised as an expense when incurred.

Amortisation

The carrying value of an intangible asset with a finite life is amortised on a straight-line basis over its useful life. Amortisation begins when the asset is available for use and ceases at the date that the asset is derecognised. The amortisation charge for each period is recognised in the statement of financial performance.

The useful lives and associated amortisation rates of major classes of intangible assets have been estimated as follows:

Impairment of non-financial assets

Intangible assets that have an indefinite useful life are not subject to amortisation and are tested annually for impairment. An intangible asset that is not yet available for use at the balance sheet date is tested for impairment annually.

Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets that have a finite useful life are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset's carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset's fair value less costs to sell and value in use.

Value in use is depreciated replacement cost for an asset where the future economic benefits or service potential of the asset are not primarily dependent on the asset's ability to generate net cash inflows and where the entity would, if deprived of the asset, replace its remaining future economic benefits or service potential.

If an asset's carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is impaired and the carrying amount is written down to the recoverable amount.

Any impairment loss is recognised in the statement of financial performance.

Creditors and other payables

Creditors and other payables are initially measured at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Employee entitlements

A provision is made in respect of the Ministry’s liability for annual, sick, long service and retirement leave. Entitlements which are expected to be paid within twelve months of the reporting date are measured at nominal values on an actual entitlement basis, at current rates of pay. These include salaries and wages accrued up to balance date, annual leave earned but not yet taken at balance date, retiring and long service leave entitlements expected to be settled within 12 months and sick leave.

The Ministry recognises a liability for sick leave to the extent absences in the coming year are expected to be greater than the sick leave entitlements earned in the coming year. The amount is calculated based on the unused sick leave entitlement that can be carried forward at balance date, to the extent that the Ministry anticipates it will be used by staff to cover those future absences.

Entitlements payable beyond twelve months, such as long service and retirement leave, are calculated based on the present value of expected future entitlements.

Superannuation schemes

Defined contribution schemes

Obligations for contributions to the State Sector Retirement Savings Scheme, Kiwisaver and the Government Superannuation Fund are accounted for as defined contribution schemes and are recognised as an expense in the statement of financial performance as incurred.

Provisions

The Ministry recognises a provision for future expenditure of uncertain amount or timing when there is a present obligation (either legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of future economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. Provisions are not recognised for future operating losses.

Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the obligation. The increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised as a finance cost.

Taxpayers' funds

Taxpayers' funds is the Crown's investment in the Ministry and is measured as the difference between total assets and total liabilities. Taxpayers' funds is disaggregated and classified as general funds and property, plant and equipment revaluation reserves.

Commitments

Expenses yet to be incurred on non-cancellable contracts that have been entered into on or before balance date are disclosed as commitments to the extent that there are equally unperformed obligations.

Cancellable commitments that have penalty or exit costs explicit in the agreement on exercising that option to cancel are included in the statement of commitments at the value of that penalty or exit cost.

Goods and Services Tax (GST)

All items in the financial statements, including appropriation statements, are stated exclusive of GST, except for receivables and payables, which are stated on a GST inclusive basis. Where GST is not recoverable as input tax, then it is recognised as part of the related asset or expense.

The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) is included as part of receivables or payables in the statement of financial position.

The net GST paid to, or received from the IRD, including the GST relating to investing and financing activities, is classified as an operating cash flow in the statement of cash flows.

Commitments and contingencies are disclosed exclusive of GST.

Income tax

Government departments are exempt from income tax as public authorities. Accordingly, no charge for income tax has been provided for.

Budget figures

The budget figures are those included in the Ministry's statement of intent for the year-ended 30 June 2008, which are consistent with the financial information in the Main Estimates. In addition, the financial statements also present the updated budget information from the Supplementary Estimates.

Statement of cost accounting policies

The Ministry has determined the cost of outputs using the cost allocation system outlined below:

There have been no changes in cost accounting policies, since the date of the last audited financial statements.

Critical accounting estimates and assumptions

In preparing these financial statements the Ministry may make estimates and assumptions concerning the future. These estimates and assumptions may differ from the subsequent actual results. Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. No estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year have been made in the preparation of these financial statements.

Critical judgements in applying the Ministry's accounting policies

Management has not exercised any critical judgements in applying the Ministry's accounting policies for the period ended 30 June 2008.

Note 2: Revenue other

  Actual
2007
$000
Actual
2008
$000
State Sector Retirement Saving Scheme recovery
154 163
Pre-acquisition project costs from NZ Defence Force
265 52
Pay and Employment Equity Review recovery
- 18
Total revenue other 419 233

Note 3: Personnel costs

  Actual
2007
$000
Actual
2008
$000
Salaries and wages
5,416 5,989
Employer contributions to defined contributions plans
217 217
Increase/(decrease) in employee entitlements
(34) (2)
Total personnel costs 5,599 6,204

Employer contributions to defined contribution plans include contributions to the State Sector Retirement Savings Scheme, Kiwisaver and Government Superannuation Fund.

Note 4: Capital charge

The Ministry pays a capital charge to the Crown on its taxpayers’ funds as at 30 June and 31 December each year. The capital charge rate for the year ended 30 June 2008 was 7.5% (2007 = 7.5%).

Note 5: Other operating expenses

  Actual
2007
$000
Actual
2008
$000
Operating expenses    
Consultancy 261 250
Professional services 212 167
Audit fees for financial statements 82 114
Auditors - fees for transition to NZ IFRS 27 16
Fees to auditors for other services 23 -
Share of NZDF costs for maintaining services 511 475
Grants and contributions 81 68
Subscriptions 26 25
General maintenance and servicing 64 56
Travel and related costs 424 371
Courses, conferences and exhibitions 61 100
Rental of premises 635 399
Legal 108 147
Printing and stationery 62 32
Computer expenses 215 132
Electronic information, Acts and Regulations 72 78
Other operating costs 300 324
Total operating 3,164 2,754

Note 6: Debtors and other receivables

  Actual
2007
$000
Actual
2008
$000
Debtors 206 195
Less: provision for doubtful debts - -
Net debtors
206 195
GST receivables
- -
Total debtors and other receivables 206 195

The carrying value of debtors and other receivables approximates their fair value.

As at 30 June 2007 and 2008, all overdue receivables have been assessed for impairment and appropriate provisions applied, as detailed below:

 
2007
2008
  Gross Impairment Net Gross Impairment Net
Not past due 173 - 173 128 - 128
Past due 1-30 days 21 - 21 66 - 66
Past due 31-60 days 12 - 12 1 - 1
Past due 61-90 days - - - - - -
Past due > 91 days - - - - - -
Total 206 - 206 195 - 195

Note 7: Property, plant and equipment

  Leasehold
improvements

$000
Office Furniture

$000
Office and Computer Equipment
$000
Total


$000
Cost or valuation        
Balance at 1 July 2006 511 262 1,456 2,229
Additions 2,378 196 41 2,615
Disposals (511) (230) (440) (1,181)
Balance at 30 June 2007 2,378 228 1,057 3,663
Balance at 1 July 2007 2,378 228 1,057 3,663
Additions 17 17 69 103
Disposals (15) - - (15)
Balance at 30 June 2008 2,380 245 1,126 3,751
Accumulated depreciation and impairment losses        
Balance at 1 July 2006 511 262 1,246 2,019
Depreciation expense 40 6 136 182
Eliminate on disposal (511) (230) (430) (1,171)
Impairment losses - - - -
Balance at 30 June 2007 40 38 952 1,030
Balance at 1 July 2007 40 38 952 1,030
Depreciation expense 134 21 56 211
Eliminate on disposal - - - -
Impairment losses - - - -
Balance at 30 June 2008 174 59 1,008 1,241
Carrying amounts        
At 1 July 2006 - - 210 210
At 30 June and 1 July 2007 2,338 190 105 2,633
At 30 June 2008 2,206 186 118 2,510

Note 8: Intangible assets

  Acquired
software
$000
Total

$000
Cost    
Balance at 1 July 2006 1,126 1,126
Additions 19 19
Disposals (618) (618)
Balance at 30 June 2007 527 527
Balance at 1 July 2007 527 527
Additions 61 61
Disposals - -
Balance at 30 June 2008 588 588
Accumulated amortisation and impairment    
Balance at 1 July 2006 912 912
Amortisation expense 85 85
Disposals (608) (608)
Impairment losses - -
Balance at 30 June 2007 389 389
Balance at 1 July 2007 389 389
Amortisation expense 51 51
Disposals - -
Impairment losses - -
Balance at 30 June 2008 440 440
Carrying amounts    
At 1 July 2006 214 214
At 30 June and 1 July 2007 138 138
At 30 June 2008 148 148

There are no restrictions over the title of the Ministry’s intangible assets, nor are any intangible assets pledged as security for liabilities.

Note 9: Creditors and other payables

  Actual
2007
$000
Actual
2008
$000
Creditors
176 169
Accrued expenses
222 316
GST payable 122 121
Accrued expenses for property, plant and equipment
200 22
Total creditors and other payables 720 628

Creditors and other payables are non-interest bearing and are normally settled on 30-day terms, therefore the carrying value of creditors and other payables approximates their fair value.

Note 10: Repayment of surplus

  Actual
2007
$000
Actual
2008
$000
Net surplus/(deficit)
740 155
Total repayment of surplus 740 155

The repayment of surplus is required to be paid by the 31st October of each year.

Note 11: Employee entitlements

  Actual
2007
$000
Actual
2008
$000
Current provisions are represented by:    
Annual leave 332 360
Sick leave 15 15
Retirement and long service leave 23 -
Total current provision 370 375
Non-current employee entitlements are represented by:    
Retirement and long service leave 188 210
Total employee entitlements 558 585

Note 12: Taxpayers' funds

  Actual
2007
$000
Actual
2008
$000
General Funds    
Balance at 1 July
1,555 3,416
Net surplus/(deficit)
740 155
Capital contribution from the Crown 1,861 -
Provision for repayment of surplus to the Crown (740) (155)
General funds at 30 June 3,416 3,416

Note 13: Reconciliation of net surplus/(deficit) to net cash from operating activities

  Actual
2007
$000
Actual
2008
$000
Net Surplus/(deficit) 740 155
Add/(less) non-cash items:    
Depreciation and amortisation expense
267 262
Inc/(Dec) in non current employee entitlements 17 22
Total non-cash items 284 284
Add/(less) movements in working capital items:    
(Inc)/Dec in debtors and other receivables (42) 11
(Inc)/Dec in prepayments (13) (1)
Inc/(Dec) in creditors and other payables (6) 108
Inc/(Dec) in current employee entitlements (63) 5
Net movements in working capital items (124) 123
Net cash from operating activities 900 562

Note 14: Related party transactions and key management personnel

Related party transactions

The Ministry is a wholly owned entity of the Crown. The Government significantly influences the roles of the Ministry as well as being its major source of revenue.

The Ministry enters into transactions with other government departments, Crown entities and state-owned enterprises on an arm’s length basis. Those transactions that occur within a normal supplier or client relationship on terms and conditions no more or less favorable than those which it is reasonable to expect the Ministry would have adopted if dealing with that entity at arm’s length in the same circumstance are not disclosed.

Key management personnel compensation

  Actual
2007
$000
Actual
2008
$000
Salaries and other short-term employee benefits
1,219 1,136
Post employment benefits
- -
Other long term benefits - -
Termination benefits - -
Total key management personnel compensation 1,219 1,136

Key management personnel include the Chief Executive and four members of the Senior Management Team. The amount paid in 2007 includes a change in Chief Executives.

Note 15: Events after the balance sheet date

There have been no significant events after the balance sheet date.

Note 16: Financial instruments risks

The Ministry's activities expose it to a variety of financial instrument risks, including market risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. The Ministry has a series of policies to manage the risks associated with financial instruments and seeks to minimise exposure from financial instruments. These policies do not allow any transactions that are speculative in nature to be entered into.

Market risk

Currency risk

Currency risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in foreign exchange rates.

The Ministry purchases capital equipment internationally and is exposed to currency risk arising from various currency exposures, primarily with respect to the United States, Canadian and Australian dollars and Euro. Currency risk arises from future capital purchases and recognised liabilities, which are denominated in a foreign currency.

The Ministry's foreign exchange management policy requires the Ministry to manage currency risk arising from future transactions and recognised liabilities by entering into foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge the entire foreign currency risk exposure. The Ministry's policy has been approved by the Treasury and is in accordance with the requirements of the Treasury Guidelines for the Management of Crown and Departmental Foreign-Exchange Exposure.

Interest rate risk

Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value of a financial instrument will fluctuate or, the cash flows from a financial instrument will fluctuate, due to changes in market interest rates.

The Ministry has no interest bearing financial instruments and, accordingly, has no exposure to interest rate risk.

Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk that a third party will default on its obligation to the Ministry, causing the Ministry to incur a loss.

In the normal course of its business, credit risk arises from debtors, deposits with banks and derivative financial instrument assets.

The Ministry is only permitted to deposit funds and enter into foreign exchange forward contracts with approved counterparties. These entities have high credit ratings. For its other financial instruments, the Ministry does not have significant concentrations of credit risk.

The Ministry's maximum credit exposure for each class of financial instrument is represented by the total carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, net debtors (note 8), and derivative financial instrument assets. There is no collateral held as security against these financial instruments, including those instruments that are overdue or impaired.

Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Ministry will encounter difficulty raising liquid funds to meet commitments as they fall due.

In meeting its liquidity requirements, the Ministry closely monitors its forecast cash requirements with expected cash drawdowns from the New Zealand Debt Management Office. The Ministry maintains a target level of available cash to meet liquidity requirements.

The table below analyses the Ministry's financial liabilities that will be settled based on the remaining period at the balance sheet date to the contractual maturity date. The amounts disclosed are the contractual undiscounted cash flows.

  Less than 6 months


$000
Between 6 months and
1 year
$000
Between 1 year and
5 years
$000
Over
5 years


$000
Total



$000
Assets
Current assets

         
Cash and cash equivalents 1,917 - - - 1,917
Debtors and other receivables 195 - - - 195

Total current assets

2,112 - - - 2,112
Total assets
2,112 - - - 2,112
Liabilities
Current liabilities

  - - -  
Creditors and other payables 628 - - - 628
Total current liabilities 628 - - - 628
Total liabilities 628 - - - 628
Net liquidity of continuing operations
1,484 - - - 1,484

Note 17: Categories of financial instruments

  Actual
2007
$000
Actual
2008
$000
Loans and receivables    
Cash and cash equivalents
2,444 1,917
Debtors and other receivables (note 6) 206 195
Total loans and receivables 2,650 2,112
Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost    
Creditors and other payables (note 9) 720 628

Note 18: Capital management

The Ministry’s capital is its equity (or taxpayers’ funds,) which comprise general funds only. Equity is represented by net assets.

The Ministry manages its revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities, and general financial dealings prudently. The Ministry’s equity is largely managed as a by-product of managing income, expenses, assets, liabilities, and compliance with the Government Budget processes and with Treasury Instructions.

The objective of managing the Ministry’s equity is to ensure the Ministry effectively achieves its goals and objectives for which it has been established, whilst remaining a going concern.

Note 19: Explanation of major variances against budget

There were no major variances from the Ministry's estimated figures in the statement of intent.

Note 20: Explanation of transition to NZ IFRS

Transition to NZ IFRS

The Ministry's financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2008 are the first financial statements that comply with NZ IFRS. The Ministry has applied NZ IFRS 1 First-time Adoption of NZ IFRS (NZ IFRS 1) in preparing these financial statements. The Ministry's transition date is 1 July 2006. The Ministry prepared its opening NZ IFRS balance sheet at that date. The reporting date of these financial statements is 30 June 2008. The Ministry NZ IFRS adoption date is 1 July 2007.

Reconciliation of equity

The following table shows the changes in equity, resulting from the transition from previous NZ GAAP to NZ IFRS as at July 2006 and 30 June 2007.

Exemption from full retrospective application elected by the Ministry

The only mandatory exception from retrospective application that applies to the Ministry is the requirement for estimates under NZ IFRS at 1 July 2006 and 30 June 2007 to be consistent with estimates made for the same date under previous NZ GAAP.

  Note Previous NZ GAAP
1 July 2006

$000
Effect on transition to NZ IFRS
1 July 2006
$000
NZ IFRS
1 July 2006


$000
Previous NZ GAAP
30 June 2007

$000
Effect on transition to NZ IFRS
30 June 2007
$000
NZ IFRS
30 June 2007


$000
Assets
Current assets
             
Cash and cash equivalents   1,873 - 1,873 2,444 - 2,444
Debtors and other receivables   164 - 164 206 - 206
Prepayments   - - - 13 - 13
Total current assets   2,037 - 2,037 2,663 - 2,663
Non-current assets
             
Property, plant and equipment a 1,239 (214) 1,025 2,771 (138) 2,633
Intangible assets a - 214 214 - 138 138
Total non-current assets   1,239 - 1,239 2,771 - 2,771
Total assets   3,276 - 3,276 5,434 - 5,434
Liabilities
Current liabilities
             
Creditors and other payables   526 - 526 720 - 720
Repayment of surplus   591 - 591 740 - 740
Employee entitlements   433 - 433 370 - 370
Total non-current liabilities   1,550 - 1,550 1,830 - 1,830
Non-current liabilities
             
Employee entitlements   171 - 171 188 - 188
Total non-current liabilities   171 - 171 188 - 188
Total liabilities   1,721 - 1,721 2,018 - 2,018
Net assets   1,555 - 1,555 3,416 - 3,416
Taxpayers' funds
             
General funds   1,555 - 1,555 3,416 - 3,416
Total taxpayers' funds   1,555 - 1,555 3,416 - 3,416

a. Intangible assets – Computer software

Computer software was classified as property, plant and equipment under previous NZ GAAP. Computer software has been reclassified as an intangible asset on transition to NZ IFRS.

b. Reconciliation of surplus

There was no change to the surplus under NZ GAAP at 30 June 2007 on transition to NZ IFRS.

c. Statement of cash flows

There have been no material adjustments to the statement of cash flows on transition to NZ IFRS.

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