Mapp Damps Down Defence Expectations
September 17th, 2009
Those diehard National Party supporters who were looking for the Govt’s Defence white paper, due for drafting early next year, to re-assert and expand the war-fighting capabilities of the Defence Force, may be due for disappointment, if the first assessments are carried through. Defence Minister Wayne Mapp says the basic test for a Defence Force as small as NZ’s is it should essentially consist of those capabilities likely to be used, whether for peacekeeping, or for combat, rather than capabilities which are unlikely to be used except in most extreme cases.
Defence analysts say this effectively kills any idea of a third ANZAC frigate, or an air strike wing. Mapp says NZ’s ability to contribute to global coalition operations comes as a spin-off from the essential capabilities needed closer to home. Aust and NZ interests are not identical, “with somewhat different contexts.” The Minister says Aust’s size, location and status as a middle power in the region led it to develop and maintain capabilities which are beyond the scope of NZ. He says this disparity in size also means NZ has to think carefully how to make the best, and most useful, contribution to the ANZAC partnership. Chief of the Defence Force Lt-Gen. Jerry Mateparae has already been in Aust to follow up on the two PMs’ announcement of an ANZAC task force.
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Duncan Cotterill