Defence Review
The Minister and Associate Minister of Defence announced the launch of the Defence Review 2009 on 21 April 2009.
The Defence Review will involve a fundamental assessment of New Zealand’s security environment, as well as the roles and tasks the Defence Force is expected to fulfil and the capabilities it requires to achieve these. It will also seek to ensure New Zealand achieves maximum value for money from its defence spending. The first such Review in over a decade, it will develop a blueprint for preparing New Zealand and its Defence Force for the challenges they face now and in the future.
The Defence Review will consist of two parts. First, the Secretary of Defence will complete a Defence Assessment and report the outcomes to the Government by early 2010. The Government will then finalise its defence policy in the form of a White Paper.
Amended date for release of the Defence White Paper
The date of release of the Defence White Paper has been rescheduled to allow for a comprehensive value-for-money study to be conducted as part of the Defence Assessment. The Government now intends to release the White Paper in October 2010.
- View the Terms of Reference: External NZDF Value for Money Review - March 2010
- View the Press Release by the Minister of Defence on the Defence Value for Money Review - 23 March 2010 (link to the NZ Government website)
Terms of Reference
The Minister of Defence and the Associate Minister of Defence announced the Terms of Reference for Defence Review 2009 on 21 April 2009.
- View the Defence Review Terms of Reference
- View the Press Release by the Defence and Associate Minister of Defence on the Terms of Reference for the Defence Review - 21 April 2009 Wellington (link to the NZ Government website)
Companion Studies Terms of Reference
Since the launch of the public consultation document for Defence Review 09 on 26 June 2009, work has been ongoing in preparation of the first Defence White paper in over a decade. More recently the Associate Minister of Defence made an announcement related to the three Companion Studies that will run in parallel with the Defence Review.
The studies that will be undertaken include:
- New Zealand Defence Industry, examining options for economic improvement in the sector to be led by Hon Hugh Templeton, former Minister of Customs, Trade and Industry.
- The role of the New Zealand Defence Force in Youth programmes and the New Zealand Cadet Force; led by Major General (retired) Louis Gardiner, former Chief of Army and current CEO of Crimestoppers New Zealand.
- Voluntary National Service, including examining future options for a whole of government strategy to be led by Brigadier (retired) Timothy Brewer, former Director General of Reserves and Cadets, Law Commissioner and current Crown Solicitor for New Plymouth.
These studies will enable a detailed examination of several important aspects of the links between Defence and society.
The Associate Minister of Defence announced the Companion Studies Terms of Reference on 19 August 2009.
Defence Review - Public Consultation Process
Launched on 26 June the public consultation process for Defence Review 09 encouraged all New Zealanders to ‘Have there Say’. Due to public demand the, written submission process was extended beyond its scheduled closing date of 24 August 2009. Submissions for Defence Review 09 closed on 31 October 2009.
As part of the consultation process a total of 16 public meetings were held in Auckland, Takapuna, Wellington, Whangarei, Tauranga, Hastings, Palmerston North, Wanganui, Dunedin, Blenheim, Westport, Christchurch, New Plymouth, Upper Hutt, Masterton and Hamilton.
Internal focus groups have also been held involving NZDF personnel at 7 camps and bases around New Zealand. In addition, information has been gathered from Defence academics, New Zealand youth, and the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association.
We have received over 600 submissions and the results of these consultations will inform the Secretary of Defence in finalising his report on the Defence Assessment. Thank you to everyone that contributed to the consultation process as part of the Defence Review 09.
Defence Review Consultation Summary of Submissions
- View the Defence Review Consultation Summary of Submissions
- View the Press Release by the Associate Minister of Defence on the Defence Review Submissions Released (link to the NZ Government website)
- View the Speech by the Associate Minister of Defence on the Defence Review Submissions (link to the NZ Government website)
Hon Dr Wayne Mapp Minister of Defence at the launch of the Defence Review 2009 Public Consultation Document at Te Papa, 26 June 2009. |
Hon Heather Roy Associate Minister of Defence at the launch of Defence Review 2009 Consultation Document at Te Papa, 26 June 2009. |
For more information
- View the Defence Review 2009 Public Consultation document
- Frequently asked Questions and Answers
- Useful links to documentation and external web site's
- View the Defence portfolio on the New Zealand Government website for the latest Press Releases, Speeches, Features and Newsletters (link to the NZ Government website)
Contact us
Further enquiries regarding the Defence Review, including feedback on the Defence Review website or public consultation process, can be made by either of the following options:
- email: review09@defence.govt.nz
- fax: (04) 496 0859
- write to the Ministry of Defence at:
Defence Review
Ministry of Defence
PO Box 12703
WELLINGTON 6144
