DEFENCE
New Zealand Defence Policy and Capability – A Rejoinder NZDF combat skills and interoperability are likely in better shape than some recent commentary suggests, writes editor-at-large Dr Peter Greener, but there are big capability decisions that need to be made, and soon.
Dr Peter Greener is an Honorary Professor, and was previously Academic Dean at the Command and Staff College of the New Zealand Defence Force, where he has taught Defence and Strategic Studies since 2008.
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In his article in the Winter issue of Line of Defence, “National Party: Attrition, conditions of service, and interoperability,” Tim van de Molen, National Party Spokesperson for Defence and Veterans, expresses concern about attrition across the Defence Force, highlighting that, “Since 2020 this government has seriously neglected the NZDF. 89% of personnel are paid at least 5% below comparable civilian rates.” He subsequently spells out National’s four-point Plan for Defence. In the second strand of the policy, while supporting the additional funding provided by Labour for remuneration, a pay review, enhanced living conditions and greater work variety are promised. It is of note that in April of last year, Christopher Luxon indicated that National supported a lift in defence spending from the current level of approximately 1.5% perhaps to 2% of GDP, yet Tim van de Molen gave no funding indication. It is a fact that governments led by both National and Labour oversaw a reduction in defence spending from a maximum of 2% during the 1980s, to less than 1% of GDP over the next two decades. Whilst there has been some recovery, budgets over time have been inconsistent. This was remarked on by Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Kevin Short in the March 2023 issue of
North and South magazine. Here Air Marshall Short emphasised, “We need governments – no matter which [party] comes to power – to look at the NZDF and say, ‘We’ve got to look 10, 20, 30 years ahead’ and have consistent funding.” Interoperability and interchangeability In the third strand of National’s Plan for Defence, Tim van de Molen notes, “National will focus on improving our interoperability with our traditional partners given the rising geopolitical tension.” He then goes on to say that National will commit to supporting NZDF personnel to undergo more training with allies and regional partners and to cooperatively share defence knowledge. That theme of interoperability is also highlighted by Dr James McDowall, ACT Party Defence Spokesperson, in his article, “New Zealand needs to get serious on defence” (Line of Defence, Winter 2023). Here he argued that, “There is no hiding the fact that the New Zealand Defence Force has been through an extremely tough time over the last few years.” With, as Tim van de Molen had indicated, the loss of 30% of personnel from across the Defence Force over the last two years, and a lack of opportunity to exercise combat skills, he is absolutely correct. To address the issues NZDF Line of Defence
