Statement of Intent 1 July 2009 - 30 June 2012
Nature and scope of functions
Our roles and functions are established by the Defence Act 1990 (the act). Section 24 of the act establishes the position of Secretary of Defence who is also the chief executive of the Ministry of Defence. The Secretary’s responsibilities concerning the Ministry, the New Zealand Defence Force, and New Zealand’s defence and security are detailed in section 24.
These responsibilities are embodied in three output classes:
- policy advice
- management of equipment procurement
- audit and assessment of performance.
Section 24(2)(c) of the act establishes as one of the Secretary of Defence’s functions “to prepare, in consultation with the Chief of Defence Force, and submit to the Minister from time to time a defence review, including a review of different options capable of achieving the Government’s policy goals.” A defence review and accompanying Defence White Paper will be prepared and implemented within the period covered by this statement of intent.
The White Paper will establish the Government’s defence policy objectives, consistent with section 5 of the Defence Act 1990. This sets out the purposes for raising and maintaining armed forces as follows:
- the defence of New Zealand, and of any area for the defence of which New Zealand is responsible under any Act
- the protection of the interests of New Zealand, whether in New Zealand or elsewhere
- the contribution of forces under collective security treaties, agreements, or arrangements
- the contribution of forces to, or for any of the purposes of, the United Nations, or in association with other organisations or States and in accordance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations
- the provision of assistance to the civil power either in New Zealand or elsewhere in time of emergency
- the provision of any public service.
