Defence Review Consultation Summary of Submissions
Conclusion
The consultation process for the Defence Review captured a great deal of input from a wide range of submitters. It is clear that the vast majority of submitters had a generally positive regard for the Defence Force and viewed it as an important part of New Zealand's overseas representation. Most wished to see the Defence Force develop as an organisation as well as in terms of Service capabilities so that it was well placed to face challenges to New Zealand's security environments in the future. Australia was regarded as the most important defence partner in most security contexts and maintaining compatibility with the Australian Defence Force is seen as a significant driver for the future direction of the New Zealand Defence Force.
The capability to perform a range of military, civil defence and humanitarian roles both internationally and closer to home was generally supported, although the relative priority of different security environments varied amongst submitters. Most supported the Defence Force making a useful contribution in all four strategic environments but saw the opportunity for most significant contributions to be made in the South Pacific and Asia-Pacific regions. There was also support for the Defence Force having a much greater role in security-related duties, civil defence, disaster relief and search and rescue while not compromising its military priorities. Some supported enhancement of the arrangements for civilian-military collaboration.
Many submitters supported greater investment in the Defence Force to ensure its future development. Investment was seen as important not just for military hardware, but also in infrastructure and personnel. In addition to calls for greater funding, many submitters also identified opportunities for the Defence Force to rationalise its organisational structures, infrastructure holdings, and provision of support services. Collaboration with the private sector was seen by many as having potential to fund, manage or operate various aspects of the Defence Force's infrastructure and support services for mutual cost savings and efficiencies.
Submitters have provided a wealth of ideas for the Defence Review. These ideas relate to the long term vision for the Defence Force as well as most areas of the Defence Force's activities and operations. Submitters appreciated the opportunity to contribute to the Defence Review process and future opportunities to engage in defence consultation processes are likely to be supported.
