For New Zealand to have a Defence Force that meets the challenges of an uncertain future security environment, Defence decision-makers need reliable and thorough advice that enables them to plan well in advance. They need a clear picture of the international strategic environment, an understanding of how this environment will change in the future, and the implications for Defence.
The Ministry’s leadership role in Defence Assessments and in supporting Government to develop its Defence policy settings means we are well placed to contribute to a range of policy initiatives led by agencies across the wider national security sector, from maritime security to space policy.
Defence assessments
In close consultation with the New Zealand Defence Force and other government agencies, we develop and produce assessments on issues of importance for New Zealand's Defence policy settings.
These Assessments consider major strategic trends as well as more in-depth, emerging and evolving issues that could affect New Zealand's national security interests.
Major Defence Assessments are typically produced about every five years.
Defence Assessment 2021: he moana pukepuke e ekengia e te waka / a rough sea can still be navigated provides a comprehensive review of the challenges to New Zealand's strategic defence interests, as well as defence officials' advice to Government on changing New Zealand's defence policy settings.