Australian + New Zealand Defence Directory 20/21

AUSTRALIAN + NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE DIRECTORY 2020/21 MINISTERIAL FOREWORD - NEW ZEALAND www. d e f e n c e . d i r e c t o r y 35 T he world has changed a great deal since the last edition of this Defence Directory. The effects of Covid-19 on public health, economic activity, and global supply chains cannot be understated. The World Bank is forecasting the worst global recession since World War II and global unemployment is expected to rise to its highest level since 1965. The pandemic is also expected to directly impact the global security environment. The New Zealand Defence Force’s fundamental responsibility to use its unique national capabilities to ensure a secure, resilient nation, has been sharpened by the impact of Covid-19 and the associated disruption. Na- tionally Defence has played an important part in the All of Government response to Covid-19, both at home and in support of our South Pacific partners. Specifically, New Zealand Defence Force logisticians have been working since day one of the national lockdown in getting personal pro- tective equipment (PPE) distributed around New Zealand and setting up capabilities within New Zealand to produce our own PPE. The Defence Force is also supporting the all of government response in managing the isolation facilities for anyone entering New Zealand. In the wider Pacific, Royal New Zealand Air Force Boeing 757 aircraft completed the largest airlift operation in our nation’s history, returning hundreds of stranded migrant workers to Vanuatu desperate to get home. The Covid-19 pandemic has reinforced the importance for investing in De- fence, as set out in the Government’s Strategic Defence Policy Statement 2018. The Statement put a focus on the Defence Force’s ability to respond to complex disruptors. It was followed by the Defence Capability Plan 2019 which sets out a comprehensive and ambitious vision for a future Defence Force. Industry plays a vital part in delivering and sustaining the capability needed by the New Zealand Defence Force. While New Zealand will remain reliant on overseas suppliers for the delivery of major military equipment, the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of having New Zealand businesses engaged in the supply chain, both in the acquisition phase and in through-life support. One example of how Defence has worked with local industry to continue to deliver capability despite Covid-19 working and travel restric- tions is the NH-90 Flight Simulator project. The Canadian team contracted to install and certify this vital capability could not travel to New Zealand. However, Defence has progressed installation using remote technology and by harnessing local industry talent. Thanks to the efforts of Defence working closely with industry, the simulator will achieve interim training capability sufficient to support recurrent emer- gency training of NH90 pilots from October 2020. Over the past year, significant progress has continued to be made on implementing the Defence Capability Plan. In June, I announced the Government’s decision to acquire a fleet of five C-130J-30 Super Hercules to replace our aging C-130H aircraft. The investment in the C-130J-30, as well as the decision to acquire the P-8A maritime surveillance aircraft, are once in a generation investments. They are replacing aircraft that have served our community, nation and world since the 1960s. They also represent a signifi- cant enhancement of capability. The delivery of the new ships HMNZS Manawanui and the maritime sustainment vessel, Aotearoa, have continued this momentum. The Defence Capability Plan not only remains relevant but takes on a renewed importance as we unite for recovery from Covid-19. The Plan is a diverse investment portfolio. The capabilities being acquired cut across multiple sectors, industries, and regions. This gives the Government a lever to target a range of sectors and companies for investment. Whilst the Australian and New Zealand economies have been significantly impacted by Covid-19, we are better positioned than most to recover. The Government wants to work with Defence industry in leveraging the flexibility of the Defence Capability Plan to support our economic recovery. This Defence Directory will be a useful tool for that engagement going forward. It is a welcome addition to our work HON. RON MARK Minister of Defence - New Zealand