Defence Review 2009 Public Consultation Document
Overseas Deployments
Participation in peace support operations has become a major element of the Defence Force's role over the past two decades.
For much of the past decade the Defence Force has sustained significant concurrent contributions in Timor-Leste (since 1999), Solomon Islands (since 2003) and Afghanistan (since 2001), as well as a range of smaller niche contributions to other operations around the globe. The security context for peace support operations varies widely. Our troops can find themselves in a relatively benign, low-level civil conflict or a more intense combat environment.
Around 400 Defence Force personnel are deployed at any given time in a range of peace support and other operations around the world. New Zealand's participation in international peace support operations has made a visible contribution to global peace and security. Our participation has also provided opportunities for close practical cooperation with key defence partners.
Through their contributions to date, our Defence Force personnel have earned a reputation for their ‘can do' attitude, versatility and ability to work with the local population. With the tempo of such operations globally likely to remain high, further contributions will be requested of New Zealand.
