Part 1.2 - High-Level Objectives of the Vote
Government Priorities and Outcomes - Links to Appropriations
The White Paper establishes priorities for 2010 onward. The Minister has also outlined Governments priorities through to 2015 and we have illustrated the corresponding Ministry activities below.
Deployments
New Zealand's peace support in Afghanistan, Timor-Leste and Solomon Islands is scheduled to draw down. The Government will manage the draw-down, aiming for smooth transitions.
Ministry support
We will advise on developing whole-of-government strategies to ensure smooth transition of responsibility from New Zealand to the governments of Afghanistan, Timor-Leste and Solomon Islands.
Capability plan
The Capability Plan, approved by Government in 2011, sets out major areas of development through to 2020. The NZDF intends having a joint amphibious Taskforce at the core of its force structure by 2015.
Ministry support
We will advise on several major acquisition decisions that Cabinet will consider over the next three years. In particular, we will work to ensure proposals are affordable, aligned with Government policies and priorities, and scrutinised under Defence's revised capability management arrangements, and then manage the acquisition to its successful conclusion.
Shifting resources
To achieve the best use of available funding, the Government has directed the Defence Forces to make specific savings up to 2015 and redirect resources to align them to Government priorities.
Ministry support
We will work with the NZDF to set up a savings plan, while ensuring the NZDF can deliver on the Government's operational expectations over the longer term. This will include supporting the NZDF, and working with central agencies to complete an output review. We will continue to contain our own costs.
Legislative change
Some White Paper policy changes require amendments to the Defence Act 1990. A Defence Amendment Bill has been introduced to the House.
Ministry support
We will work with the NZDF to progress the Bill, supporting the Select Committee as required.
Contribution of Appropriations to Government Priorities and Outcomes
| Appropriations | Government Priorities | Government Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Departmental Output Expenses Audit and Assessment of Performance Management of Equipment Procurement Policy Advice | Policy Theme: New Zealand is secure | High Level Outcome: New Zealand is secure and the security of other nations is enhanced by New Zealand's efforts. Intermediate Level Outcomes: New Zealand identifies all credible military threats to its security. New Zealand's military capabilities are aligned with our needs. New Zealand's defence relationships are aligned with our security interests and foreign policy goals. New Zealand's military deployments support our regional and wider international objectives. |
| Non-Departmental Capital Expenditure Defence Equipment | Policy Theme: New Zealand is secure | High Level Outcome: New Zealand is secure and the security of other nations is enhanced by New Zealand's efforts. Intermediate Level Outcomes: New Zealand identifies all credible military threats to its security. New Zealand's military capabilities are aligned with our needs. New Zealand's defence relationships are aligned with our security interests and foreign policy goals. New Zealand's military deployments support our regional and wider international objectives. |
