Defence Review 2009
Frequently asked questions and answers
Why does New Zealand have a Defence Force?
The Defence Act 1990 identifies the purpose of the New Zealand Defence Force as the defence of New Zealand and the protection of its interests, and the contribution of forces under collective arrangements and to international operations in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter.
In addition, the Defence Force supports the work of a range of other government agencies in addressing domestic security challenges, including counter-terrorism, maritime surveillance, and response to natural disasters.
The Defence Force also plays an important role in advancing New Zealand’s interests regionally and internationally. In the Pacific it facilitates New Zealand’s efforts to support Pacific Island states in achieving their internal stability and economic and social development.
The Defence Force also enables New Zealand to contribute to global peace and security through participation in peace support and other operations. Such operations have become a major element of the Defence Force’s role over the past two decades, with around 400 personnel deployed around the world at any given time.
Why is the Government conducting a Defence Review?
Defence policy is a highly complex area which requires careful long-term planning. New Zealand’s last White Paper on Defence was published in 1997. Since then the world, and our region, have changed considerably. Operational demands and resource pressures have also increased. A comprehensive review of New Zealand’s defence policies and capabilities is therefore timely.
Both the National and ACT Parties undertook during the 2008 election to conduct such a review. The 2009 Defence Review will involve a fundamental assessment of the security environment, as well as the roles and tasks the Defence Force is expected to fulfil and what it requires to achieve these. The Review will provide a blueprint for preparing New Zealand and its Defence Force for the challenges they will face now and in the future.
What does a Defence Review involve?
The Defence Review 2009 will comprise two main activities. First, the Secretary of Defence will undertake a comprehensive Defence Assessment, the results of which are to be reported to the Government by early 2010. It will then form the basis of a White Paper on Defence to be issued in mid-2010. The White Paper will outline the Government’s direction and purpose for the New Zealand Defence Force out to 2035.
The Minister of Defence has also appointed an Advisory Panel to oversee and provide an independent viewpoint on the Review. Panel members have been selected for their expertise in foreign policy, military affairs, and management issues. It consists of Simon Murdoch (former Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade), Martyn Dunne (Comptroller of Customs and former Commander Joint Forces New Zealand), and Robert McLeod (Managing Partner, Ernst & Young New Zealand).
Parallel to the Review three companion studies are being led by the Associate Minister of Defence on subjects relating to the broader defence sphere:
- Defence industry
- the role of the Defence Force in the conduct of youth programmes
- the potential for Voluntary National Service across the Whole-of-Government.
What are the key issues for the Review?
To make the Defence Review 2009 a success the Government is seeking wide input on the major defence issues facing New Zealand. Issues on which specific input is being sought include:
- current and emerging threats and challenges to New Zealand’s security
- the role of the Defence Force in responding to such threats and challenges
- how the Defence Force should prioritise its efforts across different strategic environments
- how the Defence Force should cooperate with other international security partners
- how the Defence Force should operate with other New Zealand government agencies, including the use of military capabilities for non-military purposes
- military capabilities required by the Defence Force to carry out its roles effectively
- organisational structure for the Ministry of Defence and the New Zealand Defence Force
- Defence Force recruitment, retention, training, and the role of Reserves
- management of Defence business, including procurement, real estate, infrastructure and finance
- financial management procedures for meeting long-term defence funding requirements.
In particular, submissions would be welcome on how each of these issues should be addressed in New Zealand’s four distinct strategic environments: our land and maritime domain; the South Pacific and Australia; the Asia-Pacific region; and the wider world.
New Zealanders are also invited to comment on any other defence-related issues which they regard as significant.
What kind of Defence Force does New Zealand currently have?
The New Zealand Defence Force is a single force composed of three distinct services. The Navy, Army, and Air Force are each charged with developing and sustaining the specific military capabilities, professional skills and internal culture necessary to meet the unique requirements of their operating environments. To deliver the maximum joint effect, the single services also co-ordinate, and integrate their capabilities in a joint and collaborative setting.
The Defence Force currently consists of 14,734 personnel, consisting of 9,745 regular force, 2,303 Reservists and 2,686 civilian support. Of current personnel, 51% are Army, 22% Air Force, and 20% Navy. Further information on Defence Force capabilities can be found on the NZDF website here.
How will any comments received be used?
Following completion of the consultation process, a summary report will be published outlining key messages and themes emerging from public submissions.
Information received through the public consultation process, including personal information will only be used for the purposes of the Defence Review. However, contributors should note that as a public agency the Ministry is subject to the Official Information Act 1982. Copies of submissions received will normally be made available on request, and the content of some submissions may be reference in reports. Any request for the withholding of information on the grounds of confidentiality or for any other reason will be determined in accordance with the Official Information Act.
Where can I find more information?
Further information on the Defence Review and on New Zealand’s defence policies more generally, can be found elsewhere on the Ministry of Defence website. Documents relevant to the Review, including the terms of reference and information on the New Zealand Defence Force, can be found from the following link:
For other enquiries regarding the Defence Review or the consultation process please email the Ministry of Defence at review09@defence.govt.nz or telephone (04) 496 0993.
