Statement of Intent 1 July 2004 - 30 June 2005
Part 1: Strategic framework
Introduction
The Ministry of Defence works closely with the New Zealand Defence Force to promote New Zealand's security and secure our defence interests. We also work closely with other government agencies that deal with external security, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. We take a 'whole of government' approach to security issues.
We participate in regional partnerships to promote defence and security in the Asia-Pacific region.
A focus of our work over the next three to five years is to improve the capability of the New Zealand Defence Force by implementing the Defence Long-term Development Plan and by undertaking a review of the alignment of defence capability and resource allocations against government policy. This will identify how optimum capability can be realised.
The roles of the Ministry of Defence, which are founded on section 24 of the Defence Act 1990, are to:
- provide timely, high-quality advice to help the Government make well-informed decisions about the defence of New Zealand and its interests
- conduct audits and assessments of the New Zealand Defence Force and the acquisition activities of the Ministry of Defence
- arrange for the acquisition of significant items of military equipment needed to meet New Zealand Defence Force capability requirements.
Our roles are reflected in our three output classes, which are described in detail in Part 2 of this Statement of Intent:
- policy advice
- audit and assessment of performance
- management of equipment procurement.
