Defence Review 2009 Public Consultation Document
The Role of the Defence Force
Securing a nation’s territory and resources and protecting its citizens against external threat are generally considered the main tasks for any defence force.
It is, however, very difficult to predict what lies around the corner. This makes the task of writing defence policy very challenging. Our Defence Force must be prepared for a wide spectrum of conflict. However, a significant part of day-to-day operations such as maritime rescue and policing our Exclusive Economic Zone, while challenging to execute, are relatively predictable in nature. Current defence policy identifies three primary purposes for maintaining a Defence Force. These are:
- securing New Zealand against external threat;
- protecting our sovereign interests; and
- retaining a capability to take action to meet likely contingencies in our strategic areas of interest.
New Zealand’s defence interests and responsibilities lie principally in the South Pacific but we also have broader security obligations, including through the Five Power Defence Arrangements in Southeast Asia and support for the United Nations and other international and regional organisations. We also have responsibilities in the Ross Dependency. New Zealand’s livelihood as a trading nation is dependent on the maintenance of a stable and peaceful world. New Zealand has long sought to be a responsible international citizen and the Defence Force undoubtedly has a role to play in this regard.
Defence Capabilities
Current defence policy requires that capabilities are:
- able to function in and around New Zealand;
- appropriately equipped and trained for both combat and peacekeeping;
- capable of being deployed and sustained over long distances through a flexible and adaptable mix of air and sea-lift capabilities;
- able to operate alongside other forces (interoperability);
- equipped, trained and held at appropriate levels of readiness;
- capable of sustaining deployments for long periods, including through rotations of personnel and equipment;
- up to date in technology and doctrine, balancing operational effectiveness and interoperability with cost considerations, and employing a progressive approach to the introduction of new technology over time; and
- fiscally sustainable through maximum efficiency and sensible prioritisation of spending.
It is important not to confuse a defence capability with a specific piece of equipment. A capability is the ability to achieve an outcome specified by government policy and is based on force structure (personnel and equipment), modernisation and maintenance programmes, readiness and sustainability.
