The Defence Portfolio
Briefing to the Incoming Government 2002
An Introduction to the Defence Portfolio
This briefing paper provides you with succinct background information about your portfolio in the following key areas: policy, capability, operational commitments, legislation, roles and organisation, and Votes: Defence and Defence Force.
The capstone policy document is The Government's Defence Policy Framework (DPF) of June 2000 which clearly states New Zealand's five areas of policy focus: defence of New Zealand's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ); a strong strategic relationship with Australia; fulfilling our responsibilities in the Pacific Islands; an expanding role in the security dialogue of Asia; and a global approach. In support of the DPF, Defence has recently completed a Pacific Islands defence and security policy review.
Defence capability has been reviewed in accordance with the DPF, and key decisions outlined in the 8 May 2001 Defence Statement A Modern Sustainable Defence Force Matched to New Zealand's Needs. The core requirement is for land forces supported by a practical Navy and a refocused and updated Air Force. The statement led to the disbandment of the air combat force. The subsequent Maritime Forces Review (2002) has led to a decision on the requirement for a multi-role vessel, and a mix of inshore and offshore patrol vessels. The recently approved Long-Term Development Plan (LTDP) gives a basis for ongoing capability decisions over the next ten years within a fixed budget.
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has maintained a high operational tempo since 1999. The battalion-group deployment to East Timor, which has involved the commitment of about half of the Army at any point in time and a third of the RNZAF helicopter force, has placed considerable pressure on NZDF sustainment of capabilities. The contribution to Afghanistan has seen the NZDF work within a multi-national coalition in a high threat environment. Both operations have been of considerable professional value to the NZDF. The NZDF has also continued to maintain a wide range of contributions to international peace support operations, including to the Bougainville Peace Monitoring Group, the Stabilisation Force in Bosnia, and to demining operations in Laos and Cambodia.
The NZDF and Ministry of Defence have undergone major organisational change. A new NZDF leadership team was appointed in February 2002. The creation of Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand in June 2001 was a major step towards enhancing jointery at the operational level. At the strategic level, the integration of the NZDF/Ministry policy and public relations branches has improved the working relationship between the two organisations. The Hunn review of the structural arrangements between the NZDF and the Ministry is nearing completion. It is expected to address the organisations' future direction.
