Statement of Intent 1 July 2008 - 30 June 2011
Foreword - Minister of Defence
Ensuring the security of our country is a fundamental responsibility of government. This involves the protection of New Zealand against attack as well as ensuring the integrity of our land, territorial waters, Exclusive Economic Zone and resources. Beyond our territory, it involves cooperation with others and the international community to maintain peace, security and stability in the areas nearest to us and beyond.
The Ministry of Defence has a key role to play. It must advise Government on policy options for responding to local, regional and international threats to security.
It must ensure the New Zealand Defence Force is appropriately equipped to meet defence and security requirements.
It provides independent audit advice on the performance of the New Zealand Defence Force and the procurement activities of the Ministry of Defence.
This Statement of Intent for 2008 – 2011 covers an important phase in the Government's rebuilding of New Zealand Defence Force capabilities. It will bring to fruition the conclusion of Project Protector which will have delivered seven new vessels for the Navy by the end of 2008. It will involve work towards the major upgrade of the ANZAC frigates.
For the Air Force, it will involve the upgrading and life-extension of its fixed wing capacity, including the P-3 Orions, C-130 Hercules and Boeing 757 aircraft. New medium utility (NH-90) and training and light utility helicopters (A109 LUH (NZ)) will be acquired. The Army will continue to upgrade its equipment and there will be a lift in personnel numbers across the Services.
It is expected that the New Zealand Defence Force will continue to be operationally active in deployments in Afghanistan, Timor-Leste, Solomon Islands and elsewhere.
The Statement of Intent highlights the close partnership the Ministry has with the New Zealand Defence Force and other central agencies. My expectation is that the linkages between the two organisations in areas of governance, management and defence planning will continue to be enhanced.
This document sets out the Ministry's role in advising Government on strategic directions and achieving the outcomes Defence is tasked to provide for the Government.
Hon Phil Goff
Minister of Defence
