Back-to-back staff talks reinforce strength of traditional partnerships

Discussing the future fight, international engagements and commitments, and increasing lethality.

Those were some of the key focus areas for bilateral talks held between members of the New Zealand Army and their British counterparts in Wellington last week.

Deputy Chief of the New Zealand Army, Brigadier Hamish Gibbons, says these talks are vital to ensure effective and efficient collaboration and cooperation at both the tactical and strategic levels, but also to continue to build on the deep and enduring relationship between both countries.

“We have fought alongside British soldiers in almost every major conflict, and that is a relationship that has only strengthened over time. They are a critical partner in the world today, and it is great that we maintain such a good and effective partnership,” said Brigadier Gibbons. 

Both armies are currently undergoing a significant and exciting period of modernisation as the nature of modern warfare continuous to evolve.

Being able to share lessons learned and provide guidance and updates on directions of travel was “hugely beneficial to both sides” Brigadier Gibbons added.

Just a week earlier, Brigadier Gibbons and a NZ Army delegation had also hosted Brigadier General Wong Shi Ming, Chief of Staff for the Singaporean Army, and his delegation.

Singapore is a key partner for the New Zealand Army in the Indo-Pacific, as illustrated by the joint membership of the Five Powers Defence Agreement (FPDA) alongside Australia, the United Kingdom and Malaysia.

As well as discussing and sharing insights into the current environment, priorities and challenges, it was an opportunity to provide key updates on significant projects and the direction of both armies.

“It’s incredibly valuable that we have these opportunities for frank and honest conversations with such a close partner in the Indo-Pacific, because the current strategic environment places enormous value on longstanding, well-established relationships built on trust and understanding,” said Brigadier Gibbons.

Both armies agreed to continue looking for opportunities to strengthen the bilateral relationship through further professional exchanges and information sharing, as well as options for joint exercises and training in the future.

These latest staff talks coincided with Exercise Suman Warrior held at Linton Military Camp – a major FPDA command post exercise aimed at sharpening collective tactics and training.