The Government’s Defence Policy Framework (2000) sets the scene for Shaping and Rebuilding the NZDF capabilities over the next decade. There are seven principles that the Government will use to guide this process - they are that the NZDF be:
- Equipped and trained for combat and peacekeeping. In order to perform the key tasks required by the Government, the NZDF must be appropriately equipped and trained for both combat and peacekeeping.
- Deployable. To be able to deploy and sustain our forces, particularly over long distances, a flexible and adaptable mix of air and sea-lift capabilities are required.
- Able to operate alongside other forces. Exercising bilaterally with Australia and multilaterally through the FPDA and others builds up the NZDF’s interoperability.
- Held at appropriate levels of readiness. The NZDF must be equipped and trained at appropriate levels of readiness.
- Sustainable. Contributions to deployments may be for long periods and involve rotations of personnel and equipment. NZDF resources must be managed to ensure that commitments can be sustained.
- Up to date in technology and doctrine. It is essential that the NZDF keep abreast of military technology and other changes in military operations - the so called Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA) - but having due regard for the high costs involved, in order to retain operational effectiveness and interoperability with our friends and allies. A progressive approach to the introduction of new technology will help to smooth out the costs, and consideration may also need to be given to retaining a lesser range of capabilities.
- Fiscally sustainable. The Government wants to ensure that our defence dollars are spent wisely. The focus in rebuilding the NZDF will be in the areas of most urgent need.
The Government’s Defence Policy Framework also sets the scene in terms of the Priorities for Rebuilding the NZDF. It notes that sensible prioritisation of projects against available resources is essential and that priority will be given to the acquisition and maintenance of essential equipment. The core requirement is for well-equipped, combat-trained land forces which are also able to act as effective peacekeepers, supported by the Navy and Air Force. The greatest needs, as listed in the Policy Framework, are to:
- upgrade the Army’s mobility, communications, surveillance, and fire support capabilities;
- provide effective air and naval transport capabilities; and
- maintain effective maritime surveillance capabilities of the Air Force and Navy, within the New Zealand EEZ and the EEZs of Pacific Island States.
On 8 May 2001, the Government, in follow up to its Defence Policy Framework June 2000, announced major decisions in shaping and rebuilding the NZDF for the future (A Modern, Sustainable Defence Force Matched to New Zealand’s Needs: Government Defence Statement 8 May 2001). These decisions will result in a high quality defence force which is able to keep abreast of technological developments, is affordable and can be sustained over the longer term. The decisions will ensure that resources are available to:
- continue with the modernisation of the NZ Army,
- meet New Zealand’s civilian and military needs for long range maritime patrol,
- renew the air transport fleet and utility helicopters, and
- develop a practical maritime surface fleet that is matched to New Zealand’s wide security needs.
On 11 June 2002, the Government released details of the Defence Long Term Development Plan (LTDP). The LTDP is a planning tool to enable decisions on defence acquisitions to be taken in the context of the Government’s defence policy, the priority of projects and affordability. The LTDP has a rolling forward focus of 10 years and links the Government’s defence policy objectives with the capability requirements announced in May 2001. It contains a comprehensive list of major capability/major capital projects, with preliminary costings, timings and priorities. It will be updated as required. The LTDP represents a significant milestone in the support of the decision-making processes required for shaping the future capabilities of the NZDF.
In summary, the key decisions made in the Statement of 8 May 2001, including subsequent decisions and actions, are as follows:
The organisational structure and operational orientation of the NZDF will continue to be developed to reflect a “joint”’ approach.
Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand (HQ JFNZ) commenced operating on 1 July 2001. The first internal review of that headquarters was conducted in late 2002. Other than some minor adjustments to the structure and functions of that headquarters and important linkages with HQ NZDF, the review validated NZDF effectiveness, through HQ JFNZ, in the planning and conduct of joint operations, exercises and activities. It also confirmed that HQ JFNZ is appropriately structured, and that NZDF management processes that are now in place, best meet current legislative provisions and the responsibilities of the Service Chiefs, COMJFNZ and HQ NZDF Branch Heads to CDF. In November 2002, CDF announced the partial amalgamation of the Development Branches of HQ NZDF and the single Services. This amalgamation, which became effective in early 2003, is appropriate to the environment in which the NZDF now operates and will greatly enhance the joint approach required. In addition, the implementation of the Cabinet-approved recommendations of the Review of Accountabilities and Structural Arrangements (RASA) for Defence Organisation governance, accountability and responsibility structures, processes, leadership and cultural change will further enhance the “joint” approach. A working structure and a culture of information sharing and cooperation that bring the staffs of HQNZDF and the MoD closely together in the staff work and decision-making that supports the sole and shared responsibilities of CDF and Sec Def is being developed and will be progressively implemented in 2004/2005. The appointments of a Vice Chief of Defence Force (VCDF) and a Deputy Secretary (Policy and Planning), announced by the Minister on 15 December 2003, are further indicators of the progress on RASA.