Portfolio: Defence

Goff: Defence Force to get enhanced night vision capability

beehive.govt.nz — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:44:24 +1300

The Government has approved funding for a new enhanced night vision capability for the Defence Force, Defence Minister Phil Goff said today.

"It is important that we continue to provide our Defence Force personnel with effective and up to date equipment and technology to reduce risk while they are deployed overseas in countries such as Afghanistan, Timor-Leste and Solomon Islands," Phil Goff said.

"This funding of $15 million over the next two financial years will allow the Defence Force to replace worn out equipment and increase available stocks. The project will deliver 781 sets of night vision goggles, 172 night aiming devices, and 150 individual weapon sights. They will replace night vision equipment that was purchased during the late 1990s and which is fast becoming obsolete.

"The new equipment will allow more effective surveillance, patrolling, low-level flying, naval boarding operations, and operating vehicles.

"Improving the Defence Force's night vision capability will positively impact on the success of current and future operations. It will increase the effectiveness of the New Zealand Defence Force operating at night, while reducing the risk to our soldiers, sailors and air men and women.

"Cabinet has also agreed to the New Zealand Defence Force developing a sustainable night vision capability through the initiation of a rolling investment from 2010/11 onward," Phil Goff said.

"This is estimated to cost between $6.7 million and $10.4 million per year in capital costs and $270,000 to $3.6 million per year in operating costs as stocks of equipment rise over time.

"By adopting an incremental investment approach the NZDF will avoid block obsolescence, keep pace with new technology, and improve levels of preparedness through sufficient training and reserve stocks," Phil Goff said.

"This project is the latest in a long line of projects to be approved by the Government as part of its planned reinvestment, realignment and rebuilding of the New Zealand Defence Force.

"Labour has committed more than $8 billion in capital and operating expenditure above baselines over a 10-year timeframe to rebuild the New Zealand Defence Force," Phil Goff said.

Defence Long Term Development Plan Update Released

beehive.govt.nz — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:43:25 +1300

Defence Minister Phil Goff today released the September 2008 update of the Defence Long Term Development Plan (LTDP).

"The fourth update indicates the major progress which has been made in rebuilding the New Zealand Defence Force, which by 1999 had suffered cuts in expenditure by National of more than 30 per cent," Phil Goff said.

"The LTDP was the Labour Government's response to the increasing obsolescence of Defence Force equipment across all three services by the end of the last decade.

"Expenditure of nearly $4 billion under the LTDP represents the largest single commitment of capital funding for Defence since the 1950's.

"It has provided financial certainty around plans to strengthen the Army, extend the role of the Navy and upgrade the Air Force. It has been a much welcomed and effective replacement for the former ad hoc defence procurement process," Phil Goff said.

"Equipment which our troops in 1999 would have considered state of the art, such as night vision goggles, electronic counter-measures, secure tactical communications and real time intelligence and surveillance capabilities are or shortly will be part of the normal operating inventory.

"Among the highlights this year will be the return of the first upgraded 757 modified for cargo as well as passengers, and the completion of the prototype upgrade C-130 Hercules and P3 Orions.

"Our first NH-90 medium utility helicopter will come off the production line in France within the next month or so, and we now have placed an order for new Agusta-Westland 109LUHs.These represent a generational change and state of the art equipment which will be among the most useful and heavily utilised additions to the Defence Force, playing a key role across all three Services.

"The Update Report outlines equipment received, approved and in acquisition phase and approved in principle.

"As was acknowledged at the RSA National Council yesterday, the New Zealand Defence Force will end the first decade of the 21st Century in much better shape than it ended the last decade of the 20th Century," Phil Goff said.

RSA National Council 2008

beehive.govt.nz — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:22:11 +1300

Speech to the 92nd National Council Meeting of the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association. Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington

National President Robin Klitscher; Chief Executive Pat Herbert; Veterans and members, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.

Thank you for the invitation to attend your opening yesterday and address your Council today on the Government's defence policy and achievements in rebuilding the New Zealand Defence Force.

But firstly, can I thank Robin Klitscher and the Association for the good personal and working relationship that I have enjoyed with the RSA and your membership.

I deeply appreciate the role played by the RNZRSA in serving the needs of our veterans and honouring the role of those who have served our country in the Defence Force and in particular those who have given their lives for their country.

Nine days ago I attended a service in West Point New York for the posthumous awarding of the Silver Star medal for my nephew, Lt Matt Ferrara, killed in Afghanistan last November and the interment of his ashes.

Matt was 24 years old and was a joint US - New Zealand citizen serving with the US Forces.

His death was a poignant reminder to our family of the losses suffered by so many New Zealand families during times of war, and the debt of gratitude which we owe to those who gave their lives which can never be repaid.

It was a reminder too of the heavy responsibility on our Government and Parliament when we make decisions that commit New Zealand Defence Force personnel to deployments such as in Afghanistan, Timor Leste and the Solomons and place them in harm's way.

There are times when it is necessary to deploy our defence force personnel in a peacekeeping or combat capacity to protect and advance values and interests which are critically important to us.

The decision to do so always requires careful judgement and should be made for the right reasons. It should depend on New Zealand's own assessment as an independent, sovereign nation.

And when the decision is made, it needs to be backed by an assurance that those we deploy are properly led, trained and equipped. That is essential to minimize the risks which face them in their area of deployment.

I am today more confident that this is the case.

I have had the privilege of visiting, first as Minister of Foreign Affairs and more recently as Defence Minister, on more than one occasion each of our major deployments.

I am immensely proud of the commitment and the performance of their duties by the men and women who serve the NZDF.

They carry out their responsibilities competently and effectively and respect and relate well to the people in whose countries they are serving.

I constantly receive genuine expressions of praise for New Zealand service personnel from those whom they work with and alongside on their deployments.

I would like to acknowledge the role and competence of our special forces.

The awarding of the Presidential citation to the SAS and the award to Wilile Apiata of the first VC earned by New Zealand since 1945 shows how well those who serve in our Defence Force today uphold the tradition and reputation of those who have gone before them.

Can I for a moment touch on the references which have been made, by President Robin Klitscher and the Prime Minister and Minister of Veterans Affairs, to Tribute ‘08.

Due to a clash in responsibilities and the need to attend trade discussions overseas, I was able to attend only the preliminary activities for Tribute '08.
But all the feedback I have had was that it was an excellent event and helpful in allowing veterans and the country to move on from part of our history which did not reflect well on our treatment of our veterans.

Decisions about deployments are made by governments, not soldiers. Those who served in the Vietnam War followed orders, carried out their duties with loyalty, courage and commitment.

Tribute '08 was about according them the respect that they deserved for their service to our country.

I want to acknowledge the positive and constructive role played by former RSA President John Campbell, EVSA representative Chris Mullane and others who worked with Rick Barker and me to reach agreement on the Memorandum of Understanding to address the key concerns which existed.

I would like now to come to the topic you have asked me to address, the progress being made in the rebuilding of the New Zealand Defence Force.

At the end of the 1990's, this was the foremost task faced by the incoming Government in the Defence Portfolio.

Defence Force numbers had been cut by 24 per cent, defence spending by an even larger 30%. All three services faced the problem of increasingly obsolete equipment.

Since 2001, the Government has committed over $8 billion dollars under first the Defence Long Term Development Plan focussed on expenditure on capital equipment, and then in 2005 the Defence Sustainability Initiative which committed new money to operating expenditure.

Expenditure of nearly $4 billion under the Long-Term Development Plan represents the largest single commitment of capital funding for Defence since World War II.

This has provided financial certainty around plans to strengthen the Army, expand the role of the Navy and upgrade the Air Force. In the past, decisions on defence procurement were ad hoc, often taken in isolation and generally involved running down one Service in order to subsidise expenditure in another.

Spread across all three services, the reinvestment and rebuilding programme has considerably enhanced the NZDF's overall effectiveness.

Equipment which our troops in 1999 would have considered state-of-the-art, such as night vision goggles, electronic counter-measures, secure tactical communications and real-time intelligence and surveillance capabilities, are or shortly will be part of the normal operating inventory.

An early focus of this re-building effort was the Army.

The Government has purchased new fleets of Light Armoured Vehicles and Light Operational Vehicles, providing our forces with increased protection, fire-power and mobility. The Pinzgauer Light Operational Vehicle has proven extremely versatile and capable on operations in Afghanistan, Timor Leste and Solomon Islands.

The Army has new special operations equipment, radar directed air defence systems and anti-armour javelin missiles. Projects have also recently begun to acquire new night vision equipment and to upgrade much of the Army's in service weapons.

Taken together, this equates to a commitment of around $1 billion in new capability for the Army.

For the Navy, we recently approved a $57 million upgrade of the ANZAC frigates platform systems. This will ensure that the vessels systems remain viable for the remainder of the fleet's expected life.

The frigates' Close in Weapons System is also being upgraded. It will provide inner layer defence against close-in threats, complementing the new mini-typhoon machine guns.

A capable blue-water fleet is an important part of the Government's vision of a balanced navy. Next year we will consider options for upgrading the frigates' self-defence system at a cost of over $500 million.

And there are of course the seven new ships for the Navy under Project Protector.

Representing the biggest expansion in the Navy's capabilities since World War II, the new ships will provide amphibious sealift and maritime resource and border protection capabilities.

They will also have important roles to play in responding to disasters in the Pacific and Southeast Asia, search and rescue, supporting counter-terrorist operations and patrolling the Ross Sea and Southern Ocean, as well as our coastal waters.

There have been teething problems with the first ship, HMNZS Canterbury which we are in the process of addressing.

The Coles Report indicated that the ship is intrinsically safe and with some short term remedied work will deliver the Defence Force "a cost effective, versatile and valuable military capability throughout its service life".

So too will the other six ships, the offshore and inshore patrol vessels.

The Navy has been impressed with the overall performance of the ships during their sea trials.

However, they will be accepted only when the contractor Tenix, now BAE, has addressed all aspects of performance contracted for, including the seaboats on board the ships.

Taken together, the Government is looking at an investment of well over $1 billion in new ships and infrastructure and upgraded capabilities for the Navy.

The Air Force is undergoing a major renewal of every flying platform worth nearly $1.9 billion.

The two Boeing 757s have already proven their value during the 2006 riots in Tonga. The modification of these aircraft so that they can carry both freight and passengers will further improve their utility in tasks such as the transport of NZDF personnel and disaster and humanitarian relief.

The first upgraded 757 returned to New Zealand in August and is currently being re-introduced into service.

In addition to purchasing and modifying the Boeing 757s, upgrades to the P-3 Orion and C-130 Hercules fleets will also provide enhanced capabilities.

Illegal fishing in the South Pacific is estimated to cost the region up to $660 million per year. The Orions play a key role in policing this activity as well as search and rescue operations.

The aircraft will have a completely new mission suite with leading edge systems capable of both maritime and overland surveillance. It will be able to cover more area, with greater accuracy, for less effort.

The Hercules are receiving a life-extension involving the replacement of their avionics, wings and self-protection systems. Once completed in 2010, this will significantly increase the fleet's reliability.

The Air Force's aging Iroquois and Sioux helicopters will shortly be replaced.

Helicopters play a key role across all three Services. They are amongst the most useful and heavily utilised forms of military equipment, used to deploy New Zealand land forces on operations, as well as counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

The first of the New Zealand NH90 helicopters will come off the assembly line late this year.

Having visited the Eurocopter facility in Marseille in June, I can confirm that these aircraft are several generations ahead of the Air Force's existing Iroquois. It can carry up to 20 passengers, has greater range, speed and load capacity than the current helicopters, and can work off our naval vessels.

The new Agusta-Westland training and light utility helicopters are equally impressive. It is twin-engined, has an integrated digital cockpit and is equipped with ballistic protection and secure communications. It also has an advanced autopilot, is configured for night flying and is able to operate from naval vessels.

But military capability is not just about having the best tools for the job. Most important is sufficient numbers of dedicated, professional personnel willing to use those tools to serve their country, often under harsh conditions and in unfamiliar environments.

The Government is doing more to recruit skilled young New Zealanders into the defence force, while also retaining experienced personnel.

Established in June 2005, the Defence Sustainability Initiative commits $4.6 billion dollars over ten years to rebuild personnel numbers.

The Government's achievements in this area speak for themselves:

As at 31 August this year there were 14,010 Regular Force, Reservist and Civilian personnel within the NZDF.

This represents the highest number of personnel since 2001 and an increase of nearly 1,100 additional personnel since June 2005, despite a tight labour market.

Shortages in some trades, such as marine technicians, remain. But the NZDF is implementing pro-active new strategies to retain existing staff and recruit and train new ones.

A new Military Remuneration System has been introduced which will see an additional $73 million going into remuneration this year, delivering a wage increase for regular and reserve force personnel of between 10 and 12 percent this year.

It will also insure equity between regular and reserve force personnel in terms of pay and daily allowances.

Implementation of the new system appears to be having a positive impact on personnel retention.

The value of these investments, and our willingness to use them in support of our core democratic values, is evident in our Company-level deployments in Timor-Leste and Afghanistan, along with other significant commitments in Solomon Islands and the Middle East.

Currently, we also have a Company in Germany exercising alongside troops from Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States in Exercise Co-operative Spirit, the first such exercise of this nature for several decades.

As I speak over 650 servicemen and women are deployed on operations or exercises around the world, while the frigate Te Mana has just returned from a four-month operation in the Gulf, and Te Kaha is currently exercising in South East Asia as part of the Five Power Defence Arrangements.

This willingness to make meaningful contributions in support of our core values of democracy, a commitment to human rights and the international rule of law is recognised and valued by our partners.

Under the Closer Defence Relations programme with Australia we have seen a strengthened relationship and consistent acknowledgement from our partner that the NZDF plays a crucial role in maintaining security in the Pacific region. Overall, the bilateral defence relationship with Australia is in as good a shape as it has ever been.

The defence relationship with the United States has undergone a major shift over the past nine years. While the US Presidential Directive on defence interaction between our forces remains in force, our relationship is no longer defined by it.

Since the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, there has been an acknowledgement that we can and should work closely together in support of our shared interests, while maintaining our commonly understood difference.

New Zealand's relationship with NATO has also strengthened in recent years. Our commitment to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force mission in Afghanistan has led to our status as a NATO contact country.

In conclusion, the New Zealand Defence Force will end the first decade of the 21st Century in much better shape than it ended the last decade of the 20th Century.

Personnel numbers are up, and our capabilities are more balanced, better matched to our needs and are being used.

Of course we could spend more on Defence. However, $8 billion on top of annual baseline funding of $2 billion is a lot of money. My feeling is that New Zealanders think we have it about right.

That said, the Long-Term Development Plan has passed its mid-point and the Defence Sustainability Initiative will reach it in 2009/10. The time is right therefore to undertake a review of our defence policy.

I see this as an opportunity to reaffirm our defence policy settings in light of the current strategic environment, providing the Government and the public with the confidence that future decisions on Defence continue to be appropriate and matched to our needs.

I look forward to the RNZRSA's contribution to this review.

Thank you.

NZ extends role in UN peacekeeping mission in Iraq

beehive.govt.nz — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:59:48 +1200

Defence Minister Phil Goff announced today that New Zealand's commitment to the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Iraq (UNAMI) is to be extended for a further year, to 31 December 2009.

"On 7 August, the United Nations Security Council unanimously passed UN Security Council Resolution 1830 (2008), extending the UNAMI mandate for one year to August 2009," Mr Goff said.

New Zealand has one Defence Force officer serving as a military liaison officer for UNAMI.

"UNAMI is mandated to assist the Government of Iraq with advancing political and national reconciliation, facilitate humanitarian assistance and the voluntary return of refugees, implement capacity building programmes for the provision of essential services and promote the protection of human rights and political freedoms," Mr Goff said.

"New Zealand has contributed a military liaison officer to UNAMI since September 2004. We have also contributed emergency humanitarian relief and other assistance worth over $17 million to Iraq. Initially, this was through the UN Development Group Iraq Trust Fund, but also in 2003-04 New Zealand deployed a Defence Force light engineer group to carry out humanitarian and reconstruction tasks near Basra.

"More recent assistance has focused on humanitarian relief with contributions to the UN High Commission for Refugees for assistance to Iraqi refugees and to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

"Security in Iraq is improving, but remains fragile," Phil Goff said.

"Concerted political and security efforts, including a new assertiveness by the Iraqi Government, a pullback by Shi'a militias, and a repudiation by Sunni tribes of religious extremism have led to a decline in the number and frequency of violent attacks, especially in the Sunni Arab areas. This progress is positive," Phil Goff said.

The extension of the deployment of the military liaison officer for one year will cost an estimated $216,000.

Defence Force best equipped its ever been, making good progress on recruitment, retention – Goff

beehive.govt.nz — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 18:37:51 +1200

The total number of personnel in the New Zealand Defence Force has increased to its highest level in seven years, Defence Minister Phil Goff said today.

"The Defence Force has also moved from having obsolete equipment to acquiring state of the art equipment in areas such as Light Armoured Vehicles and Light Operational Vehicles for the Army and a new helicopter fleet for the Air Force," Phil Goff said.

"Defence Forces worldwide face a major challenge to attract and retain staff, and New Zealand, which has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world, is no different.

"But as stated in the New Zealand Defence Forces Annual Report 2008 there are 13,889 Regular Force, Reservist and Civilian personnel within the NZDF. Since July of this year, a further 90 have been added. This represents the highest number of personnel since 2001 and an increase of more than 1000 additional personnel since 2004.

"The NZDF has actively and successfully recruited, not just to maintain numbers but to rebuild and grow the Defence Force.

"This has been possible because since 2005, the Government has committed $4.6 billion of operational funding to develop capability within the New Zealand Defence Force.

"As a result of this funding and following a remuneration review undertaken by Defence, an extra $73 million will be spent on pay and conditions for service personnel this year alone. This means personnel will gain an average pay increase of 10-12 per cent.

"Recruiting and retaining key personnel in certain trades remains a critical issue facing the Navy in particular. The Navy’s Strategic Plan identifies 2014 as the target year for fully manning its establishment," Phil Goff said.

"This government has also injected $4 billion of capital into the Defence Force since 2002 to replace outdated equipment across the Navy, the Army and the Air Force. The Defence Force is now the best equipped it has ever been."

Equipment projects include:

Boeing 727 Replacement
Medium Range Anti-Armour Weapon
Very Low Level Air Defence System
Light Operational Vehicle
Multi Role Vessel (MRV)
Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD)
Boeing 757 Modification
Patrol Vessels
Special Operations Capability
P-3 Mission Management, Communication, and Navigation Systems Upgrades
C-130 Life Extension
Medium Utility Helicopter Capability
Training/Light Utility Helicopter Capability
Advanced Pilot Training Capability (B200 Replacement)
ANZAC Class Platform Systems Upgrade
Joint Command and Control System

"The New Zealand Defence Force operates at a high tempo, with over 400 personnel overseas at any one time on peacekeeping missions," Phil Goff said.

"The New Zealand Defence Force requires modern and effective equipment and sufficient well-trained and professional staff to carry out these functions. Over the past eight years this government has committed long term funding of more than $8 billion so that it can operate as a modernised, agile, well-equipped and sustainable Defence Force," Phil Goff said.

Speech to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Temuka RSA Clubrooms

beehive.govt.nz — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:41:11 +1200

Mayor Janie Annear, Parliamentary colleague Jo Goodhew and Labour candidate Julian Blanchard, Royal New Zealand Returned Services’ Association National President Robin Klitscher, Canterbury District RSA President BJ Clark, Temuka RSA President David Geddes, veterans, ladies and gentlemen, it’s a pleasure for my wife Mary and I to be invited here today to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the opening of the Temuka RSA clubrooms.

We are also celebrating the completion of the first stage of the Club’s refurbishment – which looks really good and I understand was all done by volunteer labour.

The second and third stages will see the refurbishment of the bar and kitchen, which I am sure all members are looking forward to.

I also want to acknowledge the veterans who are here today and to thank you for your service to New Zealand.

These clubrooms were opened on this day in 1958 by the then Labour Minister of Defence, the Hon Philip Connolly and I would like to acknowledge and welcome his two daughters who are attending here today.

While the building is 50 years old, the Temuka RSA is much older.

Founded in 1916, and officially affiliated to the NZRSA in August 1918, the Temuka RSA was one of many small-town associations which were formed as the first wounded soldiers were repatriated home from Gallipoli.

The first President was Warne Pearse, brother of aviator and local hero Richard Pearse.

A Woman’s Section was added in 1942, which has since played a leading role in the provision of welfare services for veterans and their families, in addition to the traditional functions of organising Poppy Day and other fundraising activities.

The first RSAs were established to raise awareness of the needs of returned soldiers, and to advocate for their rehabilitation. Very quickly, their advocacy extended to ensuring that the many thousands who were killed were appropriately honoured, and that those they left behind were supported.

This was a huge task. Like most small towns around New Zealand, Temuka lost many of its young men at Gallipoli and on the Western Front.

Looking at the Temuka War Memorial, one of the things which struck me was the number who were killed in the First World War – 114 – and that many shared the same surnames.

One surname in particular - Carr - appears four times.

Temuka lost a further 43 young men in the Second World War. As a small town no family would have been untouched by these losses. This once again placed the RSA at the centre of your community.

Together with the 130,000 other RSA members throughout New Zealand, you continue to support and honour those who have given so much to this country.

This is reflected in your healthy membership of 450 and is also reflected in your long record of service to this community.

The Christmas parcels you deliver every year to widows of veterans are welcome and help ensure that those who live alone remain connected to the community.

I know that New Zealand Defence Force personnel serving overseas on peacekeeping operations also appreciate receiving the RSA Christmas parcels, which your club supports.

The Temuka RSA also offers a ‘Pension run’ on ‘Pension Day’ which takes members to the local shops and supermarket. You also provide transport for those members with hospital and specialist appointments in Timaru or Christchurch.

Life membership of the Temuka RSA has recently been extended to veterans of JFOR, KFOR and Malaya. I understand Vietnam veterans will shortly receive the same honour.
The Government is also working with Vietnam veterans to implement a Memorandum of Understanding addressing their specific concerns and those of their families. Considerable progress has been made.
This year Tribute 08 recognised the contribution Vietnam veterans made during the War, as well as their experience in the years following. It was an opportunity for us to say thank you and to belatedly welcome those veterans home.
It was also an opportunity for us to remember the thirty-seven servicemen who did not return.
Temuka’s ex-servicemen have a proud and distinguished history.

Lance Corporal Jack Prattley was awarded the Military Medal for bravery for attacking a German Machine Gun post on the Western Front and Corporal Henry Barrett was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for courage and devotion to duty during the attack at Pascussio Ridge in 1943.

And New Zealand’s most decorated soldier, Captain Charles Upham VC, while not a resident of Temuka, attended school six kilometres north in Winchester and was a son of South Canterbury.

I know that all of you here today will be very pleased that the 96 medals stolen from the Waiouru Army Museum in December, including Charles Upham’s VC and Bar, will be returned to the Museum in October where they will once again go on display for all New Zealanders.

A total of 21 Victoria Crosses and one Bar have been awarded to
New Zealanders. The award last year of the Victoria Cross to Corporal Willie Apiata was the first Victoria Cross for New Zealand to be awarded since it was instituted in 1999.

It was also the first VC awarded to a member of the New Zealand Defence Force since 1946.

Like those New Zealanders before him, Willie Apiata earned the Victoria Cross for his outstanding courage and selflessness.

In Afghanistan in 2004, he carried a wounded comrade across broken, rocky and fire swept ground, fully exposed to heavy enemy fire and into the face of returning fire from the main Troop.

That neither he nor his colleague was hit was remarkable.

On delivering his wounded comrade to relative safety, Willie Apiata rejoined the fight and counter-attacked.

Earlier this year, in another example of selfless behaviour, he donated his VC to be held by the NZSAS in trust on behalf of the nation.

His decision to donate his medal and not seek material reward from it is hugely generous. It ensures that his VC is protected for the future generations of New Zealanders.

Finally, a few words about the New Zealand Defence Force.

Under the Defence Long-Term Development Plan and the Defence Sustainability Initiative, the Government has committed over $8 billion to building capability and growing personnel numbers.

New and upgraded equipment has been introduced across all three Services. This includes seven new ships under Project Protector, the last of which, the Taupo, was launched and named last weekend.

The Air Force has on order new state of the art helicopters, valued at more than $900 million. All of the aircraft in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, including the C-130s P3s and Boeing 757s are being modernised and upgraded. The army has been re-equipped with modern light armoured and light operational vehicles.

The Defence Force has grown by nearly 1,000 personnel since June 2005.

Currently, New Zealand faces few conventional military threats to its own security.
But we live in an uncertain world, with new threats such as terrorism and failed states. New Zealand continues to meet its responsibilities as a good international citizen, helping create a more secure and stable world.

We play a vital role in our immediate neighbourhood, providing security, stability and conflict resolution in the Pacific region.

Today those in the armed services continue your proud tradition. Over 400 New Zealanders are currently serving overseas on peace support operations, the bulk on these in Afghanistan, Timor-Leste and Solomon Islands. The frigate HMNZS Te Mana is also returning from a four-month operation in the Arabian Gulf.

The men and women who currently make up our Defence Force appreciate that in the cities and small towns throughout the country there is a place which recognises and honours their service.

They are also aware that at some point in the future it will fall to them to continue the type of work which you have all performed from this building over the previous 50 years.
Thank you once again for the opportunity to be with you on this occasion to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the opening the clubrooms, and its refurbishment.

New Zealand and Australian Defence Ministers meet in Wellington

beehive.govt.nz — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:14:41 +1200

The main focus of a meeting in Wellington today between the New Zealand Defence Minister Phil Goff and his Australian counterpart Joel Fitzgibbon was a review of the closer defence partnership to ensure it continued to be prepared for, and responsive to, contemporary security challenges, Mr Goff said.

While the two defence forces have always been close, successive deployments on combined and coalition operations have accelerated efforts to deepen interoperability. The Ministers agreed on the mutual benefits of sustaining this strong momentum.

The meeting in New Zealand was the first formal annual meeting between the Ministers though they have met previously on two occasions in Australia to discuss defence issues. Mr Goff and Mr Fitzgibbon welcomed the close working relationship between the two countries and agreed that today’s complex security environment demanded the closest possible collaboration between the two defence forces at all levels.

The Ministers reaffirmed their mutual commitment to working together to promote and support stability in the Pacific and in Timor-Leste. They noted that Australia and New Zealand were working effectively in defence and across a wide array of other agencies to support security, stabilisation and development in the region. Australia and New Zealand’s ongoing efforts to augment national resilience in Timor-Leste demonstrated collective resolve and commitment in this regard.

The Ministers underlined the necessity of Australia and New Zealand continuing their commitment to RAMSI’s work and welcomed its contribution to restoring security and stability in that country. As the Solomon Islands Government and RAMSI progress a Partnership Framework to agree future priorities, they agreed it will be important to maintain support but with a greater emphasis on capacity building. They noted that RAMSI’s security presence and the stability it provides have enabled donors to re-engage in support of social and economic development activities, thereby improving the lives of ordinary Solomon Islanders.

The Ministers acknowledged that the situation in Timor Leste was now more stable, but still fragile. They agreed that the effectiveness of Australia and New Zealand’s combined operational efforts in the Pacific and Timor-Leste reflected the high levels of interoperability that the two defence forces had now achieved.

Global security issues were also on their agenda. Ministers discussed the security situation in Afghanistan, where both countries’ Defence forces were actively engaged in supporting international efforts to stabilise and provide development assistance to avert the possibility of Afghanistan once again becoming a safe haven for terrorists and to guarantee a future for the Afghan people.

The Ministers noted that the range of security tasks overseas necessitated by state fragility and trans-national challenges continued to generate a very high operational tempo, which was placing strains on both Defence forces. This made the synergies derived from working very closely together even more important.

The Ministers also reviewed their national capability development programmes, agreeing that the investment by both countries was essential for their mutual security and prosperity.

Mr Fitzgibbon briefed Mr Goff on the status of Australia’s new Defence White Paper, remarking that it would reaffirm the necessity for strong defence ties between our two countries.

The Ministers noted recent progress in and their support for the Six-Party Talks reflecting both countries’ longstanding commitment to peace on the Korean Peninsula. They signalled their support for, and commitment to, growing regional cooperation in disaster relief and humanitarian assistance. The Ministers also underlined their commitment to cooperate in response to transnational threats including terrorism.

During their meeting the Ministers agreed to update the 2003 Joint Statement on closer defence relations. The new statement, attached to this release, reflects changes in the security environment over the past five years and reiterates both Ministers’ commitment to meeting them.

Defence Minister receives UN Housing Allowance report

beehive.govt.nz — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:35:48 +1200

Defence Minister Phil Goff has received the final report from the Chief of Defence Force on inconsistencies over UN housing allowance claims by seconded NZDF personnel in New York.

“The Chief of Defence Force has now reported to me on the issue of housing allowances paid to four officers seconded to the UN,” Phil Goff said.

“I am pleased that the Court of Inquiry has confirmed that there was no evidence at all of ‘double-dipping’ of allowances, no corrupt behaviour and no actions which resulted in improper personal gain.

“However, clearly the supplementary allowances were paid in breach of UN rules and senior officers filled out UN forms indicating they were not in receipt of a housing allowance from New Zealand when they were.

“Notwithstanding that other countries’ secondees may have done this and that the senior officers might have thought that this was required of them as a matter of administrative convenience, that was not acceptable behaviour.

“Nor is it acceptable that when the clash between New Zealand and UN requirements came to the attention of the New Zealand Defence Force, its personnel administrators did not address and resolve this problem. That was an institutional failure.

“I welcome the work done by the Court of Inquiry and the Chief of Defence Force’s actions to deal with the problems transparently and to move to resolve them. I am advised by the Chief of Defence Force that the sum of money claimed incorrectly will be paid in full to the UN.

“However to ensure full transparency and an independent assessment of the shortcomings exposed by the Court of Inquiry, I have asked the Auditor General to review the Court’s findings. In particular, I have asked him to report to me on the cause of and actions necessary to address the institutional failure revealed by the Court. I have also asked him to report on whether he deems that any person encouraged or condoned others involved in making a false declaration to the United Nations.

“Because of the independence of the Auditor General, I believe this will add further confidence on the part of the public that this matter has been fully and appropriately addressed,” Mr Goff said.

The report of the Court of Inquiry will be released by the Chief of Defence Force.

NZ to Participate in Five Nation Training Exercise

beehive.govt.nz — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:10:34 +1200

A 172 strong contingent from the 2/1st Infantry Battalion based at Burnham will head for Europe next month to participate in an army training exercise with forces from Australia, Britain, Canada and the United States, Defence Minister Phil Goff said today.

Exercise Cooperative Spirit will take place in Hohenfels, Germany in September.

“The exercise is an opportunity for the New Zealand Army to engage in training and to test interoperability with partners across a range of current conventional military and peace-keeping operations,” Phil Goff said.

“The exercise will both enhance our skill levels and allow the New Zealand Defence Force to share its experience and knowledge gained from peacekeeping operations in Afghanistan, Timor-Leste, Solomon Islands and Bougainville.

“Exercise Cooperative Spirit will include a series of activities which involve peacekeeping and security/combat operations.

“This includes provision of humanitarian assistance, escort of convoys, field patrols, driver and medical training, counter IED training, base security provision and conventional combat and support operations.

“Cooperative Spirit will offer significant opportunities to train with other countries and to enhance the NZDF ability to deploy forces and operate in diverse environments”, Phil Goff said.

“It will add to the benefits of current exercises New Zealand engages in, including ‘Lion Spirit’ with the Singapore Armed Forces. New Zealand also exercises regularly with a number of countries including members of the Five Power Defence Arrangements, France, Korea and Japan.

It will also shortly have its helicopter pilots training on new NH-90 aircraft with the German Air Force,” Mr Goff said.

Speech to officially welcome of first modified Air Force Boeing 757 in Wellington

beehive.govt.nz — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:07:07 +1200

CDF, Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae, CAF, Air Vice Marshal Graham Lintott, ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to formally welcome the first of our modified B757s home.

This aircraft is the first of the Air Force’s modified fixed wing fleet to be completed. It has undergone a major refit and upgrade and will provide enhanced capability for the Air Force.

The second B757 is due to arrive home later this year, as is the first of the Air Force’s five C-130 Hercules, which are being upgraded. The first of our six P-3 Orion aircraft is expected home in the second half of 2009.

The fleets are undergoing major life extension and upgrade projects, which at $221 million, $234 million and $352 million, respectively for each of the fleets represents a significant investment in RNZAF capabilities.

This follows an outlay of $900 million in the past 12 months for eight NH-90 medium utility helicopters and five Agusta-Westland A109LUH helicopters and a flight simulator.

The combination of this investment provides the Air Force with state of the art equipment which will serve New Zealand well, in the case of the helicopters for up to 30 years.

The 757s have been specifically modified to suit our requirements as a multi role aircraft.

In October 2005, Mobile Aerospace Engineering (MAE) of Alabama was selected as the prime system integration contractor for the project. Specialist design and support was supplied by Boeing Integrated Defence Systems.

The 757s will greatly enhance the NZDF’s strategic airlift capability to deploy New Zealand troops to overseas missions and evacuate New Zealand citizens should the need arise.

They provide much greater flexibility in this area than the 727s they replaced. The modified aircraft have greater range and payload capacity to perform a combination of freight/passenger roles, a full freight role, troop transport, VIP transport and to carry out emergency medical evacuations and non combatant evacuations from the world’s hotspots.

They can go further and faster than the C-130s, which means our troops, equipment and aid supplies can get to places such as Kabul, Dili, Honiara – or anywhere else they are needed – much faster and with more flexibility.

For example, a 757 could transport 160 of our troops for a rotation of the PRT in Afghanistan, and the next day could be reconfigured to carry 11 pallets of medical supplies and equipment to assist in an emergency such as occurred in Banda Aceh. This could normally require two C-130s.

The main modifications that have taken place include an upgrade to civil communication, navigation, and surveillance/air traffic management systems to meet future global air traffic control requirements, an improvement to engine thrust, and new military communications capabilities.

A cargo door has also been installed, internal access air stairs added, and the aircraft’s floors have been strengthened.

This investment, at $221 million, is part of a major upgrading and replacement of capital equipment through the Defence Long-Term Development Plan. The $3.3 billion invested in this area sits alongside a further $4.2 billion investment over 10 years in the Defence Sustainability Initiative, which among other things will fund a 12 percent growth in defence force numbers.

The reinvestment and rebuilding programme is spread across all three services, but it is especially evident across the Air Force where every platform is either being upgraded or replaced. There has been very good progress on Air Force projects over the past year.

As well as welcoming back the Boeing today and the progress on the Orion and Hercules aircraft, we have, as I mentioned, concluded contracts for the acquisition of the world class NH90 advanced medium utility helicopters and the A109 training and light utility helicopters.

Helicopters play a key role across all three services of the Defence Force. They are amongst the most useful and heavily utilised forms of equipment – having utility for deployment, counter terrorism, command and control, search and rescue and disaster relief. The NH90s and A109s will be a valuable addition to New Zealand.

We have also committed expenditure for essential infrastructure at Ohakea.
The reconstruction of Taxiway A and earthworks for the new NH90 helicopter hangar are almost completed, and funding has been committed for a new terminal and engineering workshop.

Like the rest of the NZDF, the Air Force faces the simultaneous challenges of bringing new equipment into service across many platforms while managing a busy operating schedule in the face of a changing strategic environment.

Instability and unrest has become a persistent feature of the Pacific region. Our defence response, which involves enhanced capabilities is part of a cooperative, whole-of-government effort.

Strategic airlift is a vital component of those capabilities, particularly in the Pacific. The 757s have already proven their utility during the 2006 riots in Tonga. The modifications to these aircraft will further improve that utility in tasks such as transport, disaster and humanitarian relief, carriage of NZDF or Pacific Island Country personnel to operations and to defence diplomacy activities.

The modified 757s will provide an enhanced strategic airlift capability that will enable whole-of-government responses in the tasks I have just mentioned as Defence works with partner agencies such as MFAT, NZAID and the Police.

I acknowledge the Project Teams and others who have managed the successful modification of this first of our 757s. RNZAF and Ministry staff have been professional in all their tasks. I wish the RNZAF well as they take the aircraft through its operational test and evaluation (OT&E) period and look forward to the arrival of the second of the 757s later this year.

Thank you for being here today to celebrate this occasion.

Modified Boeing 757s – a valuable asset for New Zealand

beehive.govt.nz — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:03:23 +1200

Defence Minister Phil Goff today officially welcomed home the first of the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) Boeing 757 aircraft following an extensive refit in the United States.

The two B757s have spent more than a year undergoing modifications and an upgrade at Mobile Aerospace Engineering in Mobile, Alabama – one part of a multi-billion dollar investment in Defence by this government.

“The increased capability of these 757s will provide a significant boost to the Air Force,” Phil Goff said.

“They have a greater range and payload capacity than the 727s they replaced. The modifications mean they can carry troops and equipment to and from deployments, transfer freight to humanitarian missions, combine freight and passenger loads, transport VIPs, and be used for medical and non combatant evacuations from the world’s trouble spots.

“The modifications include upgraded civil communication, navigation and surveillance/air traffic management systems to meet future global air traffic control requirements, military communications capabilities, the installation of a cargo door, internal access air stairs, strengthened floors, and engine thrust improvement.

“The aircraft will conduct Introduction into Service activities over the coming months including training.

“The second of the RNZAF’s Boeing 757 aircraft will complete its upgrade at Mobile Aerospace Engineering and Boeing Integrated Defence Systems in Wichita, Kansas towards the end of the year. Both modified 757 aircraft will be fully operational and available from early 2009.

“There is also good progress on life extension and upgrade projects for the Air Force’s C-130 Hercules fleet of P-3 Orion fleet, with the first of the C-130s expected home by the end of the year and the first of the P3s in the second half of 2009,” Phil Goff said.

“At a cost of $221 million to modify the 757s, $234 million to upgrade the C-130’s and $352 million the P3s, this represents a significant investment in RNZAF capabilities. It follows an outlay of more than $900 million in the past 12 months for eight NH-90 medium utility helicopters and five Agusta-Westland A109LUH helicopters and a flight simulator.

“The combination of this investment provides the Air Force with state of the art equipment which will serve New Zealand well for decades to come,” Phil Goff said.

No damage to Skyhawks, sales process to be fast-tracked

beehive.govt.nz — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 08:37:20 +1200

The outer protective coating on three of the 17 Royal New Zealand Air Force Skyhawks kept at Woodburn Air Base was torn during the recent storm, but there was no damage to the aircraft, Defence Minister Phil Goff said today.

The aircraft are sealed in two layers of latex protective covering to withstand weather damage during storage while a buyer is found.

“I am advised by the Air Force that the storm ripped a small part of the outer coating on the tail fins of three of the aircraft, but the important inner layer was not breached on two of them, and so no moisture seeped into the aircraft,” Phil Goff said.

“On the third aircraft, the inner layer was also torn but on inspection there was no damage to the fin.

“This system of protection is standard around the world because it is a cost effective way of maintaining the aircraft’s physical condition. The aircraft will be covered by these protective layers until a sale has been agreed.

“I am pleased that we have recently taken a significant step towards facilitating a sale of the aircraft.

“Following meetings I held with United States officials two months ago in the Pentagon and last week in Wellington, the US Defense and State Departments have agreed to fast track the approval process once a contract has been signed.

“Two companies have put forward bids for the 17 Skyhawks and 17 Aermacchi trainer aircraft, with both bids valuing the aircraft at US$110 million. If one or other of the companies is successful in securing a contract for training from the Defense Department, a contract could be signed with the successful bidder within the next few months.

“This commitment by the US Government to facilitate the approval process once the sale is agreed is a very encouraging development. However I won’t be satisfied until I deposit the cheque into the New Zealand exchequer,” Phil Goff said.

NZ Defence Force medical support to Papua New Guinea

beehive.govt.nz — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:23:30 +1200

Eight New Zealand Defence Force personnel are to join the United States Nursing Ship (USNS) MERCY to provide medical support to the people of Papua New Guinea.

Over the next three weeks, two Royal New Zealand Navy, four New Zealand Army and two Royal New Zealand Air Force personnel will assist the Pacific Partnership '08 humanitarian and development mission, Defence Minister Phil Goff said.

"The Defence Force personnel will undertake shipboard surgical procedures and primary health care activities around Port Moresby.

They will be working alongside military medical personnel from 13 other nations," Phil Goff said.

The USNS MERCY has a surgical suite, including three operating theatres, and 50 ward beds as well as laboratory, radiology and pharmacy services.

It will support three shore-based health care teams who will also have dental, optometry, pharmacy and environmental health capabilities.

"Exercises such as Pacific Partnership ’08 provide the ability for our personnel to not only use their skills to help others in the Pacific region, but also to learn from the people they work alongside in a multi-national environment.

Continuing to gain this experience is vital to the ability of the New Zealand Defence Force to deploy well-trained medics," Mr Goff said.

Successful test flights for Air Force C-130 Hercules

beehive.govt.nz — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:50:34 +1200

The first of the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s upgraded C-130 Hercules has completed a series of successful test flights, Defence Minister Phil Goff said today.

The C-130 is one of two being upgraded at the L-3 Communications Spar Aerospace facilities in Edmonton, Canada.The upgrade includes centre wing refurbishment, a major rewire and modernisation of the aircraft’s communication, navigation and self-protection systems.

“The test flights during the last few days are a key delivery milestone prior to the aircraft being accepted by the Ministry of Defence and RNZAF and returned to New Zealand for operational testing and evaluation,” Phil Goff said.

“The modifications will significantly improve the availability and reliability of the RNZAF Hercules fleet. The upgrade will extend the life of the aircraft by around 15 years.

“The budget for the aircraft upgrades was set at $233 million, which is a reduction of $18.3 million on early estimates. Despite delays caused by technical difficulties the cost is significantly less than anticipated,” Phil Goff said.

The upgrade commenced in 2005 and is part of the C-130 Life Extension Project which will extend the operational capability of the Air Force’s fleet of five Hercules until 2017. The remaining three of the Air Force’s fleet of Hercules will be upgraded by Safe Air Limited, based in Blenheim.

The first Hercules is scheduled to be handed over the NZDF by October, subject to the successful completion of remaining test flights.

New Zealand Defence Force officer to assist UN in Darfur

beehive.govt.nz — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:49:28 +1200

The Government has approved a request from the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) to redeploy a New Zealand military liaison officer from Sudan’s capital Khartoum to Darfur, Defence Minister Phil Goff said today.

The New Zealand Army officer will assist over the next two weeks with planning of contingency measures for any withdrawal of UN personnel in the event of attacks against UN forces. This follows the killing of seven UN soldiers and wounding of 19 others in an attack in Darfur last week and the International Criminal Court’s indictments against the President of Sudan, President Al Bashir, Phil Goff said.

“The United Nations has requested support from the New Zealand Defence Force to plan for a worst case scenario in Sudan. Reports from the wider area state that the overall situation in the country is calm, and there have been no concerted moves against the UN. However there is the potential for tensions to escalate.

“While the situation is volatile in Darfur, the UN and the New Zealand Defence Force state that appropriate security exists for the deployment of the New Zealand officer to Darfur,” Phil Goff said.

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) currently has four officers assigned to UNMIS. Two officers are based in Khartoum as HQ UNMIS staff and two others are based in Southern Sudan as Military Observers.

Currently 625 New Zealand Defence Force personnel are deployed on 16 operations, UN missions and defence exercises around the world.

Death of New Zealand-born soldier

beehive.govt.nz — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:54:29 +1200

Defence Minister Phil Goff extended the New Zealand Government’s sympathy and condolences to the family of Signaller Sean McCarthy, killed in Afghanistan yesterday while serving with the Australian Defence Force.

“Our thoughts and sympathy are with Sean’s family and friends and his colleagues in the Australian Defence Force,” Phil Goff said.

“The tragedy of a young man aged 25 losing his life while serving with international forces in Afghanistan is a reminder of the costs that our contribution to seeking to secure peace and stability in that country involves.

“The decision to become involved in Afghanistan after the terrorist attacks of 9/11 was not taken lightly. We understand that deployment of our troops anywhere can involve risks to the lives of our soldiers, in defence of our country and the values that we uphold.

“On behalf of the New Zealand Defence Force in particular, we express our sympathies and pay tribute to the life of Sean McCarthy, who died in the service of our countries,” Phil Goff said.

Goff insists on accountability over housing payments

beehive.govt.nz — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:58:11 +1200

Defence Minister Phil Goff says he expects full accountability from the Defence Force over payments made by it for housing allowances to officers seconded to the United Nations, in contravention of UN rules.

“UN rules require that officers in receipt of UN allowances not receive additional allowances from their home country,” Mr Goff said.

“It is totally inappropriate for rules set by the UN to be ignored by Defence Force officials. The Chief of Defence Force has undertaken to report to me as soon as possible on this and on what action will be taken against those responsible,” Mr Goff said.

Air Force Boeing completes test flights

beehive.govt.nz — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 16:21:36 +1200

The Royal New Zealand Air Force has undertaken a number of successful test flights of one of its Boeing 757 aircraft, which is currently undertaking a significant upgrade in the United States state of Alabama, Defence Minister Phil Goff said today.

“The successful test flights represent a key milestone before the aircraft can be accepted by the Ministry of Defence and RNZAF and returned to New Zealand for operational testing and evaluation,” Phil Goff said.

“The RNZAF’s two modified 757s are designed to provide much greater flexibility than previously, including additional strategic airlift capability to deploy New Zealand troops to overseas missions and evacuate New Zealand citizens.

“They have greater range and payload capacity than the 727s they replaced and allow the Air Force to rapidly alter the aircraft configuration between standard passenger configuration, a freight-passenger combination, full freight, Aero Medical Evacuation (AME) and for VIP transport.

“The RNZAF expects to have the first aircraft signed over to the Ministry of Defence and then returned to New Zealand within the next two months, and the second aircraft about two months later. Both modified aircraft are expected to be fully operational from early 2009,” Mr Goff said.

The Ministry of Defence purchased the two B757-200 aircraft as replacement aircraft for the RNZAF’s two ageing Boeing 727-100 QC airframes.

The budget for the aircraft purchase and modification was NZ$221 million, with the modification phase at NZ$112.3 million. The aircraft were introduced to service with the RNZAF in early May 2003.

The life extension upgrade and modification is taking place at Mobile Aerospace Engineering in Mobile. Modifications include increasing freight capability, engine enhancements and upgraded communications and navigation equipment.

Goff backs recommendation for strengthened reporting systems

beehive.govt.nz — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:49:02 +1200

Defence Minister Phil Goff has endorsed a recommendation for strengthened and more transparent reporting systems for defence acquisition projects.

The recommendation is contained in a report by the Auditor General which was made public today.

Phil Goff said he welcomed agreement between Defence agencies and the Auditor General to work together to provide better and more complete information on management of acquisition of defence assets.

“I am pleased that the Auditor General has indicated that his office is not asserting poor performance or negligence by Defence in managing defence acquisition projects,” Phil Goff said.

“I however support the desirability of fuller reporting on projects as they proceed.

As the Auditor General notes, large defence acquisition projects world wide are prone to difficulties, delay and cost increases.

“New Zealand has not suffered the defence acquisition disasters currently causing controversy in countries with which we have close relationships. In Australia, the $1.3 billion Seasprite project has been abandoned without the helicopters ever being flown operationally.

“In the UK, specially designed Chinook helicopters worth $750 million built in 1998 have still not entered service because of faulty radar and software systems. And in the US, new Navy coastal vessels have doubled in price and are years late in coming into service, to name just a few instances.

“Any further safeguards that can be put in place to avoid such problems here should clearly be embraced,” Phil Goff said.

“The Auditor General acknowledges that once Cabinet has given approval to commit funds, movements in prices for acquisitions are minimal – normally less than 0.1 per cent.

“He has however expressed concern at the increase in costs that can occur between when Cabinet first gives its approval to begin the acquisition process and when it later decides to commit funds to the project.

“Defence agencies acknowledge this concern but point out that cost estimates in the first instance are simply ‘intelligent guesses’ until precise capabilities are defined and a tendering process has been undertaken.

“If the process between defining capabilities and completing tendering is lengthy, the ultimate cost of the project can increase significantly because of international inflation in defence costs and movement in currency values.

“Changes are currently being made in response to the requirements of the Treasury’s Capital Asset Management Review.

“However, I welcome proposed cooperation between Defence agencies and the Office of the Auditor General to examine ways in which to improve early cost estimates, and to increase the quality and transparency of reports on the progress of defence acquisition projects,” Phil Goff said.

New Zealand Defence Force Provides Medical Assistance to Cook Islands

beehive.govt.nz — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 12:12:39 +1200

A 40-strong contingent of New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) medics, with a mission to provide health support to the people of the Cook Islands, will deploy to the Cooks today by C-130 Hercules under Exercise Tropic Twilight, Defence Minister Phil Goff announced today.

“For the next two weeks the contingent, which includes 12 civilian volunteer health specialists, will conduct at least 50 surgical cases at Rarotonga Public Hospital, four Advanced Cardiac Life Support courses and two First Aid courses for hospital and trainee staff.

“Defence Force dentists will visit local school students to provide treatment and an environmental health survey will be undertaken at Rarotonga Public Hospital.

“NZAID will provide funding for transport from outlying islands for patients requiring surgery in Rarotonga as well as funding all medical supplies relating to the treatments,” Mr Goff said.

“It is vital that the Defence Force maintains its ability to deploy skilled medics, and this exercise enables the NZDF and our civilian volunteer health specialists to add to their experience. It’s great that in conjunction with NZAID, we are able to carry out much needed surgery and training for Cook Islanders,” Mr Goff said.

The contingent returns on Sunday 22 June.

Goff Welcomes Progress on Air Force Helicopters

beehive.govt.nz — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 12:30:07 +1200

Hon Phil Goff with NH 90 Helicopter Under Construction

Defence Minister Phil Goff has welcomed the completion of the initial stage of the construction of New Zealand’s first NH90 helicopter being built in France.

Mr Goff visited the plant while in France to attend the annual meeting of the OECD Ministerial Council.

“The ‘mating’ of the NH-90 helicopter fuselage represents the first stage of assembly of the helicopter which should be completed by October this year,” Mr Goff said.

“The helicopter, which is the first of eight being built for the Royal New Zealand Air Force, will be ready for its test flight in about five months. It will then take a year for it to receive formal qualification.

“At that point, New Zealand crews will commence training in France. New Zealand will also cooperate closely with Germany’s Air Force which was the first to receive the NH-90.

“The NH-90 helicopters will form the backbone of the New Zealand Defence Force’s capability over the next 30 years,” Phil Goff said.

“Technologically, it is several generations ahead of the Air Force’s existing Iroquois helicopters. It can carry up to 20 passengers, has greater range, speed and load capacity than the current helicopters, and can work off our naval vessels.

“It is interoperable with other countries with which we cooperate including Australia.

“It will massively increase our capability for deployment, disaster relief, search and rescue and counter-terrorism work.

“While it represents a big investment for New Zealand, the NH-90 will be a major asset for New Zealand for years to come and gives the Air Force a state of the art capability,” Phil Goff said.

Speech to launch Not Just a 12-month Tour Exhibition during Tribute08

beehive.govt.nz — Fri, 30 May 2008 15:24:03 +1200

Members of Parliament, Chief of Defence Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae, veterans’ leaders and veterans, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

It’s my privilege this morning to launch this exhibition, Vietnam: Not Just a 12 Month Tour, as part of Tribute 08.

Tribute 08 is a celebration and commemoration honouring the contribution and sacrifices of Vietnam veterans and their families.

Much controversy surrounded our military engagement in the Vietnam War.

It was a war to which we committed over 3,500 troops, of which 37 lost their lives and 187 were wounded. Others have suffered long-term effects from the war.

New Zealand’s involvement in the war had a decisive and long-lasting impact on the debate about the direction of our foreign and defence policies. It stimulated widespread support for a more independent approach to international affairs, where New Zealand made its own judgements.

A casualty of that debate, however, was the troops who loyally served their country in Vietnam.

Those troops did not make the decision to support the war. That was the decision of the Government of the day.

They did, however, make the decision to serve their country with courage and to the best of their abilities. For that, they deserved not condemnation but respect.

For those who served in Vietnam, the war was not just a 12 month tour in another important aspect. Their exposure to Agent Orange and other toxic chemicals had long lasting effects, not only for them but also their families.

This was ignored by successive Governments for far too long.

The turning point, however, was the 2004 Health Select Committee Inquiry into the concerns of Vietnam veterans. That inquiry saw Parliament at its best, with the cross-party committee establishing that New Zealand troops were exposed to chemical defoliants and that this exposure had serious health consequences for many of those who served.

The Joint Working Group setup after the report consulted widely across the country. Its recommendations formed the basis of negotiations by Ministers with the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association and the Ex-Vietnam Services Association.

A Memorandum of Understanding was agreed in December 2006 which substantially implemented the recommendations of the Joint Working Group. These recommendations followed the themes of acknowledging the past, putting things right and improving services to Vietnam veterans.

Seventeen months since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, major progress has been made in its implementation. A key part of that was yesterday’s apology by the Prime Minister on behalf of the Crown in Parliament to Vietnam veterans and their families for the manner in which their service and subsequent health concerns were not recognised.

This Exhibition portrays the experiences of our Vietnam veterans.

Seen from the perspective of those deployed to Vietnam, New Zealanders can get a sense of how the experience of their return was a source of alienation and hurt.

The Exhibition captures the sounds of Vietnam, from the noise of an Iroquois helicopter to the popular music which mobilised a generation across a range of fronts.

For those of my generation, it is deeply evocative.

The Vietnam War was the first conflict to be broadcast on television. This brought the realities of war, previously known only to veterans of past conflicts, directly into our living rooms. This exhibition provides an opportunity for New Zealanders to see these images and to understand how they re-shaped peoples’ attitudes towards war.

Finally, this exhibition charts the struggle by Vietnam veterans to have their concerns recognised and addressed.

Tribute 08 is about recognising the contribution of Vietnam veterans both at the time of the war and their experience in the years following. It is an opportunity for us to say thank you and to belatedly welcome veterans home. It is also opportunity for us to remember the thirty-seven soldiers who did not return.

It is now my pleasure to declare this Exhibition officially open.

Thank you.

Viet Nam exhibition in Wellington

beehive.govt.nz — Fri, 30 May 2008 15:21:48 +1200

Defence Minister Phil Goff today opened an exhibition depicting the Viet Nam War and its effects on veterans and their families.

Vietnam: Not just a 12 month tour will be on show at the Academy of Fine Arts in Wellington from 29 May to 8 June.

"The exhibition is part of Tribute08, a celebration honouring and respecting Viet Nam Veterans and their families and commemoration of those who lost their lives," Phil Goff said.

"The exhibition portrays the experiences of the Viet Nam War. It shows the experiences of the Veterans on the ground in Viet Nam and on their return home. It also reflects the images of the war, the first war that television brought into the living rooms of New Zealanders, and of the protests.

"The exhibition includes photographs taken during the war, information on the war’s international and New Zealand context, and captures sounds from Viet Nam, from the noise of an Iroquois Helicopter to the popular music of the day. It also charts the struggle by Veterans to have their concerns recognised and addressed.

"The Viet Nam War was a war to which we committed approximately 3500 troops, who undertook their duties loyally and bravely. Of these 37 lost their lives and 187 were wounded. Others have suffered long term effects from the war," Phil Goff said.

"Much controversy surrounded our military engagement in that war. It had a decisive and long-lasting impact on the debate about the direction of our foreign and defence policies – stimulating widespread support for a more independent approach to international affairs.

"A casualty of that debate however was the troops who served their country in Viet Nam. They did not make the decision to support the war. That was the decision of the government of the day.

"They did however make the decision to serve their country with courage. For that they deserved not condemnation but respect.

"Tribute08, to be held in Wellington this weekend and of which this exhibition is a part, is an opportunity for us to say thank you and to belatedly welcome veterans home. It is also an opportunity for us to remember the 37 soldiers who did not return.

"It comes after yesterday’s apology by the Prime Minister on behalf of the Crown in Parliament to Viet Nam Veterans and their families for the manner in which their service and subsequent health concerns were not recognised," Phil Goff said.

Phil Goff to Deliver Cross Party Letter in Support of Sir Keith Park Statue to Mayor of London

beehive.govt.nz — Fri, 30 May 2008 15:20:30 +1200

Defence Minister Phil Goff will meet with newly-elected Mayor of London Boris Johnson and deliver a letter signed by all party leaders in support of a statue of New Zealand WWII hero Sir Keith Park in Trafalgar Square.

"Air Chief Marshal Sir Keith Park commanded the RAF’s No. 11 Fighter Group during the Battle of Britain. His tactical brilliance and inspirational leadership played a vital part in Britain’s defence at a critical phase of the Second World War when the Luftwaffe threatened to destroy the British air defence system and economy as a precursor to invasion," Phil Goff said.

"Act MP Rodney Hide has organised the letter and I am happy to deliver it on behalf of all of Parliament.

"Every New Zealand political party leader in Parliament, including Prime Minister Helen Clark and the Leader of the Opposition, have signed the letter to Mayor of London Boris Johnson, supporting a campaign for a statue to Sir Keith Park in Trafalgar Square, which is being led by London City financier Terry Smith.

"I will meet and deliver the letter personally to Mr Johnson on June 6 while I am in the UK during an official visit to the UK. The letter registers New Zealand’s strong support for the campaign, and highlights the motion proposed by Mr Hide and unanimously passed by the New Zealand Parliament in support of the move to honour Sir Keith Park.

"A statue of Sir Keith in the centre of London would give overdue recognition to a man whose efforts were critical in helping to protect London and prevent the invasion of Britain. In succeeding, Sir Keith helped to change the course of the Second World War," Phil Goff said.

"Sir Keith was a great New Zealander who did what needed to be done and did it exceptionally well. Along with Sir Keith more than 12,000 New Zealanders served in the RAF during the Second World War, of whom more than a quarter died.

"A statue of Sir Keith would reflect the strong bond between our two nations, which saw our troops fight alongside the UK, in both world wars in the Twentieth Century," Phil Goff said.

Viet Nam Theatre Honours for two Army companies

beehive.govt.nz — Wed, 28 May 2008 15:57:38 +1200

Two New Zealand Army infantry companies will this weekend be officially recognised for service in the Viet Nam War, with a change of the theatre honour dates for the 1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (1RNZIR).

Her Majesty the Queen, acting on advice from Helen Clark, has extended the theatre honour for 1967-1970 to apply to service between May 1967 and December 1971, to cover the full infantry involvement in South Viet Nam.

"The extension to the 1RNZIR South Viet Nam Theatre Honour is a significant and historical step for the Battalion, the Regiment and those who served on operations with the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment during the Viet Nam War," Phil Goff said.

"It is fitting recognition for the courage and commitment of all who served in that conflict.

"The previous South Viet Nam Theatre honour 1967-70 did not recognise the service of Victor Companies five and six to the end of 1971. Further, the terms under which the original honour was awarded did not include the service of Victor 1 Company, from May to December 1967.

"The honours extension is part of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government and Viet Nam Veterans signed on 7 December 2006. It comes as the Crown makes a formal apology to Viet Nam Veterans and their families for the manner in which their service and subsequent health concerns were not recognised," Mr Goff said.

A handing over of the 1RNZIR Regimental Colour with the extended Viet Nam honour will formally take place in a ceremony at Tribute08 on Sunday, June 1

The presentation will involve a Colour Guard from 1RNZIR, Mr Goff said.

The Tribute08: A Viet Nam Commemoration is being held in Wellington over Queen’s Birthday Weekend.

The event aims to increase recognition of Viet Nam veterans and families in the community and provide a vehicle to acknowledge the inadequate treatment given to veterans when they returned home in the early 1970s.

For more information on Tribute 08: A Viet Nam Commemoration please visit: www.tribute08.com.

New bomb disposal capability means greater security for New Zealand

beehive.govt.nz — Mon, 26 May 2008 17:24:03 +1200

Defence Minister Phil Goff today opened the headquarters of a new and enhanced bomb disposal capability for New Zealand in Trentham Camp, Wellington.

The new capability is funded by $22 million in capital and ongoing operating funding approved by the Government in 2005. It is part of this government’s $4 billion 10-year Long Term Development Plan for Defence.

"The prospect of a terrorist attack in New Zealand using chemical, biological or radiological devices is lower than in many other countries. Yet given the serious consequences of such as attack, we cannot afford to be complacent," Phil Goff said.

"That is why the establishment of this new capability for the 1st New Zealand Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron is in New Zealand’s national interest. This significant financial investment provides a major strengthening of our ability to respond to these types of threats.

"The new capability is operational now and the squadron will build up in size over the next 18 months to more than 72 personnel. Old equipment is being replaced with remote controlled robots, new detection devices and other electronic tools as well as new decontamination equipment and clothing.

"The squadron’s headquarters and training base are in Upper Hutt and three new operational units will be sited close to the CBDs and air and sea ports of the main centres – Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. This will provide much improved response times across the country and greater overall security for New Zealand.

"This capability is also necessary to guarantee a level of protection around our ability to host internationally significant events such as the Rugby World Cup.

"The EOD Squadron has conducted joint exercises with Police, Fire, Airport Security and Customs. A fully coordinated response across all of government is important," Phil Goff said.

"The enhanced capability builds on the New Zealand Defence Force’s expertise and professionalism – for which it has a long history and gained a well earned reputation, both at home and internationally – in the area of explosive ordnance disposal.

"While the potential risk of chemical, biological or radiological devices creates the most dramatic and frightening scenarios, in fact the greatest probable risk remains in the area of orthodox explosives," Phil Goff said.

Speech opening the new Explosive Ordnance Device Disposal HQ, Trentham

beehive.govt.nz — Mon, 26 May 2008 17:21:10 +1200

It is a pleasure to be here today to officially open this new Explosive Ordnance Disposal Headquarters and training facility.

Nearly three years ago, having regard to the potential threats posed by terrorism in the Twenty First Century, the Government made the decision to invest in this facility and the capabilities the 1^st New Zealand Explosive Ordnance Squadron will provide.

It has involved a significant expenditure. Some $22 million has been invested in capital and operating costs to build the capability we need.

The prospect of a terrorist attack in New Zealand using chemical, biological or radiological devices is lower than in many other countries. Yet given the serious consequences of such as attack, we cannot afford to be complacent about.

In the current world environment, where threats to our country are less from conventional attacks and inter-state warfare than terrorist attacks and the consequence of failed states, it makes sense to strengthen our ability to respond in these areas.

The 1st New Zealand Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron will build up in size over the next 18 months to more than 72 personnel. Old equipment is being replaced with remote controlled robots, new detection devices and other electronic tools as well as new decontamination equipment and clothing.

Its headquarters and training base are in Upper Hutt and three new operational units will be sited close to CBDs and air and sea ports of our three largest cities of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. This will provide much improved response times across the country and greater overall security for New Zealand.

While the use of chemical, biological or radiological devices would have the most dramatic consequences, the probable risks are in the area of orthodox explosives.

The New Zealand Defence Force does considerable work in this area.

Within New Zealand, in the last year alone the EOD Squadron responded to 139 callouts. Eighty nine of these were explosive ordnance disposal tasks, and a further 50 were Improvised Explosive Device Disposal tasks.

This includes pipe bombs and other improvised devices, remnants of war, such as hand grenades and mortar bombs, the disposal of devices handed in to police stations, and end-of-life marine flares and other explosives.

In addition, a further 641 jobs were addressed using the Civilian Ammunition Inspectors. And the EOD squadron has conducted joint exercises with Police, Fire, Air Port Security and Customs at the tactical and operational level.

A fully coordinated response across all of government is important. I acknowledge the support of these and other agencies in contributing to the new capability we are creating.

Without this capability we would be unable to guarantee the level of protection required against terrorism and sabotage, and it would create risks around our ability to host internationally significant events, such as the Rugby World Cup.

Internationally, the New Zealand Defence Force has considerable experience and a proud track record of carrying out mine clearance and unexploded ordnance disposal.

Our Defence Force personnel have worked over recent years in Mozambique, Cambodia, Laos and Afghanistan. Last year we contributed two groups over a 12-month period to clearing up unexploded cluster munitions and unexploded ordnance in Lebanon.

Personnel from the Army and Navy did a superb job, clearing nearly a third of a million square metres of land and destroying more than 1800 unexploded cluster bombs and munitions.

As a result, local people could again use their land and live without fear that they and their children would be killed or maimed by cluster munitions which had not detonated.

Having this type of capability is clearly in New Zealand’s national interest.

Together the development of this facility, and the other Explosive Ordnance Disposal units, represents the type of preparedness the Government envisaged in 2005.

And while we hope and expect that there will not be the need to respond to a chemical, biological or radiological threat on our own shores, it is nevertheless important that we are prepared.

I would now like to declare this Headquarters officially open.

Next step to modernise and rebuild defence force

beehive.govt.nz — Wed, 21 May 2008 20:14:28 +1200

Budget 2008 invests $276.4 million in the New Zealand Defence Force over the next four years as part of our sustained efforts to rebuild and modernise the defence force under this Government, Defence Minister Phil Goff said today.

“This investment will be used primarily to grow the New Zealand Defence Force and retain existing personnel. The $276.4 million is out of the $4.6 billion Defence Sustainability initiative started by this government in 2005.

“This latest instalment in a consistent stream of funding under this government gives Defence the means to fully modernise and enhance its capability, to be able to meets New Zealand’s defence and strategic objectives at home and overseas.

“Funding for recruitment and retention is essential for Defence, like most other large organisations, to be able to attract and retain people in the face of a tight labour market, brought about by record low unemployment,” Phil Goff said.

The Ministry of Defence will also continue the purchase and upgrade of capital equipment including NH90 Helicopters, the P3 Orion fleet, C-130 Hercules and Boeing 757s for use by the New Zealand Defence Force.

“This is funded from the $4 billion 2002 – 2012 Long Term Development Plan started by this government,” Phil Goff said.

New Training/Light Utility Helicopters for Defence

beehive.govt.nz — Thu, 08 May 2008 17:05:27 +1200

Defence Minister Phil Goff today signed a contract for the purchase of new training/light utility helicopters for the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

“The contract involves the purchase of five Agusta-Westland A109LUH helicopters, a flight simulator and an extensive package including spares, onboard equipment, tools and other equipment, with a total cost of $139 million,” Phil Goff said.

“In considering tenders, we chose a higher cost aircraft because of its capability of operating at sea and training Seasprite helicopter pilots.

“The purchase complements the Governments earlier decision to purchase eight NH-90 medium utility helicopters at a cost of $771 million.

“The combined purchase of the two new helicopter fleets is a huge step forward in modernising the New Zealand Defence Force” Phil Goff said.

“While a big investment, we will have state of the art equipment which will serve New Zealand well for the next 30 years.

“Helicopters play a key role across all three services of the Defence Force. They are amongst the most useful and heavily utilised forms of equipment -having utility for deployment, counter terrorism, command and control, search and rescue and disaster relief.

“The Agusta-Westland A109 is more than just a generational change in technology from the old Sioux training helicopter it replaces

“The two-seater Sioux is Vietnam War era with the sole role of basic pilot training.

“While the Agusta-Westland A109 carries a smaller load than an Iroquois, it fulfils all of the larger helicopter’s roles and is much faster.” Phil Goff said.

“It is twin-engined, has an integrated digital cockpit, and is equipped with ballistic protection and secure communications. It has an advanced autopilot and is configured for night flying. It is also wheeled, allowing for training and use from naval vessels.

“It will provide training for crew on the NH-90s and for the crew of the Seasprite naval helicopters.

“Agusta-Westland is a major and proven helicopter manufacturer, and the A109 is already used in many other defence forces including Sweden, South Africa, Malaysia, the UK, Australia, and US.

“The A109s will form part of No 3 Squadron at Ohakea and will enter into service in 2011.” Phil Goff said.