The Strategic Defence Policy Statement recognises the full scope of value that Defence provides for New Zealand, across the community, nation, and world. The policy statement also articulates for the first time a set of principles to describe the government's expectations for Defence and provide enduring policy guidance, examines developments in the strategic environment, and updates the Defence Force outcomes, principal roles and priorities.

The statement also articulates for the first time a set of principles to describe the government's expectations for Defence and provide enduring policy guidance, examines developments in the strategic environment, and updates the Defence Force outcomes, principal roles and priorities. These policy settings will inform the forthcoming Defence Capability Plan Review, expected to be complete by the end of 2018.