Transparent and Accountable Funding Allocation for Defence
Objective: To ensure that funding for the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is allocated in a transparent, accountable manner that reflects the will of the people and supports a modern, effective military.
Implementation:
With Zero-Based Budgeting, the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) will annually justify its budget from the ground up, ensuring each dollar is both accounted for and essential. This method provides the flexibility to allocate funds where they are genuinely needed, reflecting principles of accountability and integrity. It encourages leadership ownership, guaranteeing that they have the necessary resources to maintain NZDF's status as a world-class military.
Annual Public Report: The Defence Minister will provide an annual public report detailing how funds have been spent, the outcomes achieved, and future spending plans, fostering public trust and accountability.
Modernization for Global Readiness
Objective: To modernize the NZDF to meet current and future global threats, ensuring New Zealand remains a secure, sovereign, and resilient nation.
Implementation:
Future Force Design Principles: Adopt the principles from the Future Force Design Principles document to guide investment decisions, focusing on combat capability, resilience, technology, and partnership strength .
Investment in Technology: Prioritize funding towards acquiring leading-edge technology for surveillance, cyber defence, and combat readiness, aligning with the value of leveraging technology and enhance capabilities.
Joint Operations and Training: Enhance joint operations capabilities by aligning with international partners like Australia, ensuring the NZDF can operate effectively in multinational environments.
Enhanced Civil Emergency Response
Objective: To strengthen the NZDF's role in civil emergency response, ensuring swift, effective action during national emergencies.
Implementation:
Integrated Emergency Management System: Strengthen the role of the NZDF within the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) framework, focusing on readiness, response, and recovery.
Training and Equipment: Invest in specialized training for the NZDF in disaster relief, search and rescue, and civil defence, ensuring they are equipped for both domestic and international emergencies.
Community Engagement: Develop programs where the NZDF collaborates with local communities for preparedness training, aligning with the goal of empowering communities and ensuring their voice in policy development.
Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships
Objective: To leverage private sector innovation and resources for national security and emergency response, enhancing capabilities through collaboration.
Implementation:
Defence Innovation Fund: Establish a fund to encourage private sector contributions to defence technology, research, and development, reflecting the principle of wealth creation for the people.
Public-Private Emergency Response Initiatives: Partner with private companies for infrastructure, logistics, and technology solutions in emergency situations, ensuring efficient public services.
Protection of Civil Liberties
Objective: To ensure that national security measures do not infringe on the civil liberties of New Zealanders, maintaining integrity in governance.
Implementation:
Civil Liberties Oversight: Form an independent body to review all national security operations, ensuring they respect civil liberties, which aligns with the commitment to protect civil liberties.
Annual Civil Liberties Audit: Conduct an annual audit on how national security policies impact civil liberties, maintaining transparency and accountability.
These policies are designed to reflect the values of "Voter's Voice" by ensuring that the NZDF is not only a formidable force in terms of national security but also operates with transparency, efficiency, and respect for democratic principles, thereby truly representing the will and needs of New Zealand citizens.