Defence Review Consultation Summary of Submissions
Major Themes
There was considerable public support for the Defence Force coupled with the desire for it to have greater capabilities and more international participation in defence and security-related roles.
Submissions contained various views on the level of threat New Zealand is likely to face in the next 35 years. While some submitters believed that New Zealand will be in a benign environment and face little direct threat, more believed that all of New Zealand's strategic environment is likely to be challenged to a greater extent than is presently the case.
It is unsurprising that virtually all submitters gave highest priority to the defence of New Zealand. Most of those that prioritised the broader strategic environment placed the South Pacific next, then the Asia-Pacific region followed by deployments to the wider world. Many responded more generally in terms of the balance of effort between regions close to home and those further afield. The majority favoured greater focus in the South Pacific and Asia-Pacific regions.
Most submitters agreed that deployments beyond New Zealand's EEZ are likely to be in collaboration with Australian forces, either as a partner in the South Pacific or as part of a wider coalition force, including the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in the Asia-Pacific region and wider world. Ensuring the Defence Force can add value to the capability of the ADF was supported.
Combat capabilities were seen as important for developing the core purpose of the Defence Force, and were seen by many as important or all Services. A combined air and sea strike capability was seen as necessary for securing New Zealand's maritime domain and supporting deployments.
Developing capability involves modern training and equipment that is interoperable, deploy-able and valuable both to New Zealand and its likely coalition partners. Capability was also seen as a significant enabler in determining what roles the Defence Force may play in international deployments. Consequently, it is essential that acquisitions supported the capabilities necessary for the conduct of all the Defence Force's likely roles, particularly in multinational coalition forces.
Most submitters had an expectation that the Defence Force will play a significant role in major activities such as civil defence, search and rescue, and disaster relief both domestically and regionally. Ways to enhance the effectiveness of joint civil-military operations was a focus for many of these submitters. Another concern was ensuring that the Defence Force's support for these roles did not come at the expense of its core functions and resources.
Income and conditions of service remained major factors in the recruitment and retention of Service personnel. Education, training and skill development for Defence Force personnel must be aligned for careers spanning Service and post-Service civilian life. Education and careers were also seen by young people as an attractive feature of joining the Defence Force.
Some submitters saw the potential for cost and efficiency advantages for the Defence Force from employing investment initiatives, shared ownership and leasing options with the private sector, as well as outsourcing and/or civilianising non-core roles. Others believed it is better for the Defence Force to manage and operate all of its functions.
Many submitters wanted to see greater funding for the Defence Force. This was usually expressed in terms of a higher fixed proportion of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) comparable to New Zealand's strategic partners. Others also specifically supported greater funding for the Reserves and Cadet Forces.
