Statement of Intent 1 July 2008 - 30 June 2011
Introduction from the Secretary of Defence
This Statement of Intent for the Ministry of Defence outlines how we will give effect to government defence policy between 2008 and 2011.
During that period the Ministry will advise the Government on defence and security policy, New Zealand Defence Force deployments, and defence relations with overseas partners; manage major acquisitions of defence equipment; and undertake a programme of audits of New Zealand Defence Force performance and of Ministry defence procurement. All these activities are designed to ensure that New Zealand has defence capabilities and a defence force able to give effect to the Government’s defence and security policy.
In order to discharge these tasks the Ministry needs to be able to provide the Government with timely, comprehensive and high quality advice. This requires an understanding of changes in the strategic environment and the way in which these will impact on New Zealand, and on the choices and options available to the Government.
The business of the Ministry of Defence intersects with that of the New Zealand Defence Force at all points. That close yet robust relationship must be maintained in good order. The Ministry must also have a range of well developed relationships with other agencies in the defence and security sector so that advice on defence policy and the actions that flow from it are aligned with and support New Zealand’s broader defence and security objectives.
The Ministry’s people, systems and processes are critical to achieving the expectations in this Statement of Intent. Given the size of the Ministry, we need to be smart in tackling the challenges of recruiting and retaining staff in a highly mobile, demanding and competitive market place. Our systems need to be responsive to staff and our processes need to be best practice.
I am confident that the Ministry will meet the expectations of the Government as set out in this Statement of Intent.
John McKinnon
Secretary of Defence
