Defence - Army
Re-merge the MOD and NZDF as recommended in the Hunn Report Re-build the NZ Defence Force to 30,000 personnel (including 20,000 TF/Reserves) over 5 years through new initiatives including: Voluntary National Service – i.e. educational scholarship offset by service to the country in a range of areas from trades to professions as well as Defence Retention and re-enlistment incentives for currently serving personnel and their families Incentives for civilian staff of the government and defence contracting companies to enlist in the reserve forces
Review the structure and governance of the NZDF, looking at which functions can be carried out by civilian agencies or put under joint military/civilian control Ensure that New Zealand has special forces sufficient for rapid action in crisis situations, including terrorist actions in New Zealand and Pacific nations
Labour will work with the Territorial Forces Employer Support Council to strengthen the role of Territorial Forces, particularly in areas of skill shortages with the Regular Forces Labour will continue the process of ensuring all three Services have modern and appropriate equipment
Defence force should concentrate on maximising its effectiveness in a relatively narrow range of military and intelligence areas National will publish a White Paper in its first year in government to take a fresh look at our defence capabilities and requirements
Put in place programmes to address the exodus of Defence Force personnel at all levels and to attend to staffing issues in general Review entry standard requirements to ensure that no suitable candidates are excluded from joining the Defence Forces Contribute to global security through the provision of Defence Force elements as and when appropriate, and ensure New Zealand's forces are never pawns being manipulated for political gain Review the purchase, use, maintenance, and viability of light armoured vehicles
Reach a multi-party accord on funding for the NZ Defence Force so that it is equipped to meet peacekeeping, peace building, humanitarian and disaster relief operations We like the concept of having, 'the best small integrated defence force in the world'.