01 November 2006
Lt Gen Jerry Mateparae
Chief of Defence Force
The New Zealand Defence Force is in a time of change. Our annual report reveals that significant changes are underway as we work to build a defence force that will serve New Zealanders for the next 30 years.
While we are a small defence force in comparison to others throughout the world, New Zealanders can be proud of our Navy, Army and Air Force. We are continuing to punch above our weight on missions around the world, with military leaders consistently commending our performance. This appreciation was demonstrated last week when the US Government awarded NZDF personnel for their service in Afghanistan.
Our Defence Force also plays a key role in helping local communities through our responses in civil defence emergencies, such as the Canterbury snow storms this winter. We also assist in search and rescue operations and provide support for other government agencies, including the Departments of Conservation, Fisheries, Customs and the police.
The annual report clearly sets out the challenges faced by the NZDF. These challenges are similar to those faced by any organisation with a large number of personnel. We need to focus on recruitment and retention in today’s competitive labour market, as well as keeping pace with the changing demands of the modern world.
We are aware of these challenges, and we are meeting them head on with forward-looking programmes. The Government has committed $7.7 billion to modernising and re-developing the military. The NZDF is in the process of investing this money in new equipment, building personnel numbers, and upgrading facilities and existing equipment.
Some of our key projects include the introduction of the new NH90 helicopters, the fleet of new vessels for the Navy and the light operational and light armoured vehicles for the Army. In addition, last month the Minister of Defence announced seven new projects under the Defence long-term development plan. These projects include upgrades for the ANZAC frigates, a new power generation and reticulation system for Devonport Naval Base, and an upgrade for the taxiway at Ohakea Air Base. All of these projects will allow the NZDF to work more efficiently and effectively for New Zealanders.
Modernising the NZDF is no quick and easy task. We have a long-term development plan to make certain that our priorities are met in a timely and logical way. We are working through these priorities ensuring that our processes are robust and that the best possible decisions are made.
We are also actively addressing the issue of recruitment and retention. Our report shows that in the past year the NZDF has been successful in reversing the trend of falling personnel numbers. This is particularly pleasing given that it was achieved at a time of increased competition in the labour market. Attrition rates have fallen and we have recruited about 600 additional personnel over the past 12 months. We are committed to ensuring that these positive trends continue.
It needs to be put into context that these changes are continuing at a time of high operational tempo. On 19 missions across 15 countries, from Antarctica to the Sudan, Afghanistan to the Solomon Islands, 854 New Zealand Defence Force personnel are deployed on peacekeeping operations, UN missions and diplomatic defence exercises.
Our servicemen and women posted overseas are playing a vital role in protecting stability in our region, supporting humanitarian efforts in some of the world’s most volatile areas and helping to maintain global security. I am immensely proud of our personnel and the positive effects that the NZDF is achieving wherever we are engaged.
The NZDF is busy doing the work we are tasked to do by the government and all New Zealanders. While we do face challenges, we are well positioned to deal with issues of retention, recruitment and operational capability. New Zealanders can be confident that the NZDF will continue to make a difference both at home and overseas.
Ends