Overall, the principles the government has set for the NZDF are being followed to ensure we are able to meet demands on us, which are unlikely to lessen in the foreseeable future.
While New Zealand faces no direct military threat, a growing number of transnational security challenges, as well as fragile states in our region, have created a complex and uncertain environment, with security implications for New Zealand. Many of these challenges will increasingly arise within the South Pacific area. In addition, we will need to be ready to offer immediate assistance in the event of natural disasters to which our region is prone. Elsewhere, the situation in the Middle East and Afghanistan will continue to be a challenge, and it is likely that we and our partners will need to maintain a presence there for some time.
We will also continue to build on the foundations of the DSI and realign and rebuild our capabilities towards the vision of Three Services as One Force, being the best in everything we do. The single Services remain the basic building blocks of military capabilities, yet we will continue to structure, train and operate them in a joint environment. For most operations overseas, the NZDF would most likely be part of a larger multinational force. However, for multi-agency tasks and operations around New Zealand, we will need to practise national command and control within a whole of government framework.
In contributing to the government’s defence outcomes, we need to continually balance the demands of current operational commitments, preparing for future operations, regenerating preparedness, and introducing new and upgraded capabilities across all three Services. While we are meeting our current operational priorities, we have some way to go in rebuilding our preparedness levels to respond to operations at the higher end of the conflict spectrum.
Against these requirements, we must manage the DSI expectations and a programme of work to recover military capability. The challenge for us is to maintain a balanced approach to the competing demands of operational deployments, modernising the NZDF, and increasing our organisational capacity.
We have embarked on a pathway of change. This change is an opportunity, but it requires commitment, an agenda and leadership from the senior leaders of the NZDF – the Executive Leadership Team. The ELT and I consider that there are opportunities to do things more simply and better: “to do things better and to do better things.” The co-location of the ELT within the Defence Headquarters building has already created new work dynamics and more collegial working relationships.
Also, a NZDF-wide process for innovation and efficiency to complement the Baseline Review that we have completed recently will form the basis of a Transformation Programme for the NZDF.
Along with most other New Zealanders, I am proud of the professionalism displayed by the men and women of the NZDF. As we look back on yet another productive year, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the contribution our sailors, soldiers, airmen and women, civilian staff, contractors and families have made in achieving our mission. They have all enabled the New Zealand Defence Force to support our communities, and to represent New Zealand in upholding a long and proud tradition of playing an effective role, meeting obligations, and securing international security. I inherited a Defence Force that is moving in the right direction, and I intend to continue that process in delivering innovative and positive changes.
It is an exciting time for the NZDF. In meeting these challenges and making the most of opportunities, I intend doing all within my authority to ensure personnel within the NZDF, military and civilian, at home and overseas, are well prepared and led to meet our responsibilities and the expectation of New Zealanders.
J. Mateparae
Lieutenant General
Chief of Defence Force
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