The New Zealand Government has directed that a review of its defence policy be conducted over the course of 2015. The Government last updated its defence policy through the Defence White Paper 2010.

The Defence White Paper 2010 represented the first comprehensive articulation of New Zealand’s defence policy this century. Since publication it has provided Defence with the direction it needs to be able to effectively prioritise the roles and tasks it undertakes, both at home and overseas, and guide the modernisation of many of the Defence Force’s military capabilities.

Defence policy has continued to develop and adapt since 2010. The Defence White Paper 2015 will provide an opportunity to take stock of changes to New Zealand’s strategic circumstances over the past five years.

The Defence White Paper 2015 will focus on the contribution of the Defence Force and Ministry of Defence towards New Zealand’s security, resilience and prosperity. It will set out New Zealand’s defence policy and how policy will be implemented to advance the nation’s national security and interests. In this regard the Defence White Paper 2015 will provide the basis for the Defence Force’s and Ministry of Defence’s strategy and planning from 2015 onward.