Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

The pace of this massive procurement exercise led to some issues with the delivery of
equipment. Such issues could easily have been avoided if the previous National
Government had taken a more sustainable approach to defence procurement.
Labour initiated the defence sustainability project to address this issue and will continue to
take a long term approach to defence procurement so that acquisitions can be properly
planned and funded over time.
Labour will ensure the NZDF has the equipment required to carry out all the tasks
expected of it including overseas deployment.
Labour will take a sustainable approach to procurement of equipment to avoid the
need for rapid updating of equipment in the future, requiring best practice
procurement processes to prevent cost overruns.
Labour will ensure that the weapons available to NZDF personnel are appropriate for
the operations they undertake.
Infrastructure
As a small country with limited defence resources, New Zealand must maximise the
efficiency of its defence infrastructure.
Creating a critical mass of personnel, equipment and resources in a central location from
which the NZDF can effectively deploy is an efficient use of that infrastructure.
Labour supports the Manawatu Defence Hub concept and anticipates it consisting of
developments at RNZAF Base Ohakea, continuation of the presence at the Linton Army
Camp and development of a defence college at Hokowhitu in Palmerston North where the
Massey University College of Education is currently situated.
The theft of ammunition in August 2011 from an ammunition depot at Kauri Point highlighted
the need to maintain NZDF bases and buildings to a standard that ensures the safety of the
New Zealand public.
Around the world, many nations‟ defence forces make significant contributions to both
military and civilian research and development capability. The ability of the NZDF to
contribute in this way warrants further investigation.
Labour will retain the Linton Army Camp.
Labour will continue to enhance NZDF capabilities at RNZAF Ohakea.
Labour will investigate the establishment of a Defence College in Palmerston North.
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