Plugging Holes In Defence Capabilities
March 5th, 2009
Defence Minister Wayne Mapp is expected to finalise terms of reference for the Defence White Paper when he meets military chiefs, with his Associate Minister Heather Roy, this week. Mapp has inherited a series of procurement decisions, such as the Navy’s multi-purpose ship Canterbury and the NH90 helicopter contract, which lack “proper definition” and reflect poor management of purchasing processes. The purchases are too far advanced to stop, though issues around the contracts will be addressed in the White Paper. The biggest “hole” in defence capabilities stems from delays in delivery of new vessels and aircraft refurbishment. Mapp says “we’re talking about core capabilities: patrol ships, strategic transport and maritime surveillance.”
The delays have become such an irritant Mapp is now insisting on weekly briefings. Besides calling for a sharper procurement system, the White Paper will assess NZ’s major capabilities and how they can be best be fulfilled. Another significant issue will be management of defence real estate, including the potential for public/private partnerships. Mapp also wants to ensure the skill-set within the defence force gives NZ a point of difference. The SAS is one such unit, having advanced skills in long-range reconnaissance.
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Duncan Cotterill