Statement of Intent 1 July 2005 - 30 June 2008
Preface by the Minister of Defence
This Statement of Intent lays out the Ministry of Defence's diverse roles in supporting the Government's defence policy over 2005-08: policy advice, acquisition of major items of equipment, and audit and assessment. These roles, which are essential to the achievement of the Government's defence policy objectives, are undertaken by the Ministry operating in partnership with the New Zealand Defence Force and other key central government agencies.
The Ministry is the Government's principal civilian advisor on defence policy and the issues that influence our policy. In this role, the Ministry monitors developments in the strategic environment that are of interest to New Zealand, and advises me on the implications for defence policy. The Ministry is also the lead adviser to the Government on military deployment options, and opportunities for diplomatic and practical engagement with the defence forces of friends and partners.
In the period covered by this Statement of Intent, the Ministry and the New Zealand Defence Force will continue to work closely, and exploit opportunities to improve their joint effectiveness. The new defence building is one of these opportunities.
In 2005-06, the Ministry's policy staff will be closely involved in implementing the recommendations of the Defence Capability and Resourcing Review, and particularly over the coming year, the initial phase of the Defence Sustainability Initiative. This Initiative represents a major financial commitment by the Government to strengthen New Zealand's defence capability. The first phase of work is to determine the systems and processes required to implement the recommendations of the Defence Capability and Resourcing Review.
The Ministry will also remain heavily engaged in procuring the major items of equipment required by the New Zealand Defence Force, as shown in the Defence Long-term Development Plan. Since 1999, the Government has advanced 24 major military equipment projects. Major projects that will occupy the Ministry in 2005-06 include replacement helicopters, new ships for the Navy (Project Protector), completion of the acquisition of the new light operational vehicles for the Army, and upgrading the Royal New Zealand Air Force's transport and maritime patrol aircraft.
In 2005-08, the Ministry's Evaluation Division will continue to audit both the Ministry and the New Zealand Defence Force to ensure that they are delivering what the Government expects.
The Ministry of Defence is a key enabler of the Government's defence policy objectives. I believe the Ministry of Defence will continue to contribute significantly to defence outcomes for the benefit of all New Zealanders.
The information in the Ministry of Defence's Statement of Intent is consistent with the policy and performance expectations of the Government.
Hon Mark Burton
Minister of Defence
