I am pleased to present the 2010 - 2013 Statement of Intent of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).
The Government set clear priorities for Defence over 2009/10. Hard work and clear direction has seen the completed arrival of the Protector fleet. The NZDF has sustained a considerable range of deployments. I continue to drive for value for money and effective completion and management of major acquisitions and projects, such as the upgrades of the Air Force’s Orion and Hercules aircraft. We have also undertaken to complete a Defence White Paper and are near to release of this important document.
The NZDF continues to admirably fulfil its operational role. It has provided forces for overseas commitments and multi-agency operations and tasks in and around New Zealand, as well as delivering into service new and upgraded equipment that will enhance operational capability into the future. The deployment to Afghanistan of a contingent of our Special Air Services will be a major contribution to achieving stability in that troubled part of the world.
The NZDF responded well to provide assistance to Tonga following the tragic sinking of the Princess Ashika in August 2009 and to the people of Samoa in September and October 2009 following the devastating tsunami there. The Defence Force was also active helping people stranded in snow in the central North Island in early October, highlighting the importance of these roles.
During the past year, the NZDF has taken on an expanded role in assisting the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Education in the development of New Zealand youth via the Limited Service Volunteer Scheme, Service Academies in high schools and Military-Style Activity Camps. These schemes are proving to be most worthwhile and the NZDF’s contribution to them is significant and appreciated.
As clearly evidenced by the tsunami in Samoa and Tonga in September 2009, the Pacific region is vulnerable to natural disasters. The ability of the NZDF to respond quickly to such events, as it did in this case, will remain an important role for the Armed Forces in the future.
Closer Defence Relations (CDR) with Australia has been expressed in a proposed Anzac force that could be used to respond quickly to a range of incidents in the wider Pacific region. Details about this Anzac force are being finalised.
During international visits and visits to operational deployments it has been pleasing to hear firsthand the high regard with which New Zealand servicemen and women are held. The NZDF continues to build on its reputation for professionalism, good relationships, and the ability to get the job done.
In keeping with the Government’s value for money objectives, the NZDF needs to continue to free up resources from its back office and shift them to the front-line. As forecast, large budget increases for departments cannot be expected for some time to come. Ways need to be found to ensure that core roles and capabilities can be maintained, improved and supported without significant cost increases. The NZDF has already started its Defence Transformation Programme (DTP). This is concentrating on efficiencies in logistics and human resourcing.
Initiatives under the DTP have been incorporated into the Government’s main initiative to support this value for money process, i.e. Performance Improvement Actions (PIAs). Information on the DTP and the first tranche of the NZDF’s PIAs are included in this Statement of Intent.
The first full Defence Assessment in 12 years is nearing completion. The Government will subsequently make public the White Paper on Defence.
The White Paper will confirm New Zealand’s focus for Defence on the South Pacific region. It will also confirm the NZDF’s role in contributing to international security. New Zealand’s Armed Forces need to be prepared for a very broad range of contingencies. These range from humanitarian and disaster relief, through state stability and security operations, to combat operations. In meeting these contingencies, New Zealand needs to be able to operate either alone or in concert with others, especially with our most important partner, Australia. Effective management of major acquisitions and defence activities will enable the maintenance of capabilities that can be used to meet these contingencies.
New Zealanders want to see their Armed Forces continuing to perform to the high standards our international partners have come to expect. We will, therefore, continue to advance a modest programme of capability improvements. The first stages of implementation of the White Paper will define the year ahead.
Finally, I wish to acknowledge the extension of Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae as Chief of Defence Force until May 2011, together with the extension of Air Vice-Marshal Graham Lintott as Chief of Air Force. Given the challenging times and Lieutenant General Mateparae’s close association with the Defence Review, his extension will provide the experience, stability and leadership required as the Government sets out the direction and purpose of the Defence Force for the coming decades. I look forward to continuing to work with all of the NZDF Executive Leadership Team and with the people of the NZDF.
Hon Dr Wayne Mapp
Minister of Defence
27 April 2010
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