New Zealand soldiers in Tonga

John McKinnon - the Ministry's new Secretary

Bombs away: the NZDF's bomb disposal squad

Armistice Day dedication

Raising the Territorial Force profile

Otago launched

A visit to Korea

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T H R E E S E R V I C E S A S O N E F O R C E

I want to take this opportunity tosay how much the efforts of oursoldiers, sailors, airmen and womenare valued and appreciated, not onlyby me, and our Service chiefs, butalso much more widely - by ourgovernment and our overseas allies.

Speaking at the Defence IndustryForum in October, Defence MinisterPhil Goff applauded the NZDF’sefforts in promoting stability andthe opportunity for development inmany areas overseas. Similarly,military leaders are consistentlycommending our performanceabroad, evidenced when the USgovernment awarded NZDFpersonnel medals for their service inAfghanistan in October. Wecontinue to take a proactive andlead role in joint exercises withoverseas counterparts, a recentexample being the Bersama Paduexercise with Australian, British,Malaysian and Singaporean forces.

We are currently involved in threemajor deployments, and have 766

personnel in 19missions across 21countries, includingAfghanistan,Solomon Islands,Timor-Leste, andmost recently, Tonga.It’s the work of NZDFpersonnel, bothindividually andcollectively, whichbuilds trust andfriendship withoverseas nations,promotes tradepartnerships, andhelps cement NewZealand’s reputationas a responsibleinternational citizen.

Our servicemen andwomen postedoverseas supporthumanitarian efforts and helpensure stability in some of theworld’s most volatile areas;facilitating aid efforts, monitoringdisarmament and assisting in thereconstruction of schools and otherimportant institutions. Our ability toengage with the local peopleoverseas has been consistentlynoted and I am very proud of whatNZDF personnel are achievingabroad.

Looking back over the past year ourpersonnel have assisted NewZealand communities in times ofcrisis and emergency - such as thesnow relief effort in the South Islandin June, and in the flash flooding inthe Rangitikei district in July. Theyhave worked on various search andrescue operations, and closely withother government agencies,particularly the Departments ofConservation, Fisheries, Customsand the Police. In August wefarewelled Dame Te Atairangikaahu,the Maori Queen, and it was anhonour to help with preparations ather tangi at Turangawaewae Marae.This year we also formallyfarewelled the King of Tonga andwelcomed a new Governor General.

Working together as Three Services,One Force, I believe the NZDF hasshown commitment, dedication andprofessionalism. I tell my troopsthey should be proud of theircontribution to both New Zealandand the international community.

In return for their continued effortsthey can look forward to enhancedconditions of service, and the kindof equipment that will enable themto work more efficiently andeffectively.

New projects, and those alreadywell underway, will modernise theNZDF and our capabilities in thefuture - but this will not happenovernight.

Many of our personnel will bedeployed over the Christmas period,away from their families and oftenin hostile environments.

I appreciate their efforts, and offerthem my best wishes for a safe andhappy Christmas and New Year.They are doing a fine job, and Ilook forward to serving with themin 2007.

T h r e e S e r v i c e s A s O n e Fo r c e

The Defence Public Relations Unit also producesindividual publications for New Zealand’s Navy,Army and Air Force. These are available on request.

VISIT OUR WEBSITES:w w w. d e f e n c e . g ov t . n zw w w. n z d f . m i l . n z

New Zealand Defence Update provides information aboutdefence policy and people, and the activities of our forcesthroughout the world, to a wide audience in New Zealand

and overseas. Its main stories are available on www.nzdf.mil.nz. We welcome your feedback.

Editor: Judith Martin, Defence Public Relations Unit, tel 64 4 4960227,

email: Judith.martin@nzdf.mil.nz

Editorial Policy: The opinions expressed in DefenceUpdate are not necessarily those of the New Zealand

Defence Force or the Ministry of Defence.

COVER: The Queen’s Colour Guard at ease in front of the NewZealand Memorial in Hyde Park, London. Photo: AC RachaelMain. (AK-06-0480-37)Inset: The launch of the new Navy ship Otago in Melbourne.Photo: Cpl Christopher Weissenborn. (MC-06-0623-52)

From the top By Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae

Christmas is approaching, and the NZDF’s workload both overseas and at home remains substantial

Chief of Defence Force, LieutenantGeneral Jerry Mateparae.

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T h r e e S e r v i c e s , O n e Fo r c e

It’s no surprise then that JohnMcKinnon, the newly appointedSecretary of Defence, is relishing theopportunity to be a key player in arelationship that is unique in NewZealand’s public service.

From 18 December he will head theMinistry of Defence, a stand-aloneGovernment department,independent of, but inextricablylinked to the New Zealand DefenceForce.

"The relationship is unusual and oneof a kind, and the Ministry’s role isvital in helping the government makedecisions about the defence force.The job will be a fascinatingchallenge," he says.

Leading the ministry is an obviousway-point for this career diplomat.

His resume in the public servicespans 32 years, beginning when hejoined the Ministry of Foreign Affairsin 1974. The youngest of five siblings(but only by 10 minutes; he has anidentical twin brother, Malcolm), MrMcKinnon is from a family immersedin foreign policy, world affairs,politics and education.

The oldest of his three brothers, Don,is Commonwealth Secretary General;brother Ian is a former collegeprincipal and now Pro Vice Chancellorat Victoria University; sister Kate is ateacher, and Malcolm a universitylecturer and historian who haswritten, among other works, a bookon New Zealand foreign policy.

Their father, Major General WalterMcKinnon, finished a lengthy militarycareer as Chief of General Staff(Chief of Army), a position he heldfrom 1965-67.

But one look at his backgroundnotes, and it’s obvious the youngestMcKinnon has made his own mark inthe world of international affairs. Inthe early 1990s he served as DeputyPermanent Representative to theUnited Nations during New Zealand’sterm on the United Nations SecurityCouncil, before taking up theposition of Director of the ExternalAssessments Bureau (EAB) in theDepartment of Prime Minister andCabinet.

It was the role which came nextwhich established his reputation. Itwas also one of the most interestingperiods in his career so far, he says.From 2001 to 2004 he was NewZealand’s Ambassador in Beijing. Itwas not his first foray into China; hewas posted there as secondsecretary in 1978 having spent twoyears in Hong Kong learning Chinese.

As ambassador in Beijing he setabout reacquainting himself with theChinese language, and becamefluent. It was interesting, he says, toreturn to a country which hadchanged so markedly in some ways,while staying very much the same inothers.

The biggest change was the easewith which interaction could takeplace. "China is adjusting andresponding to what’s going on in theworld, and at the same time it isretaining its essential culture."

He can speak and read Chinese,skills he still values, and takes everyopportunity to exercise. "Havingacquired the skill I don’t want to loseit. Aside from its value as acommunication tool it opens up awhole new other world, and is anabsorbing language."

His background, particularly hisexperience in the Asia-Pacific region,the EAB and more recently as

manager of the Ministry of ForeignAffairs political and securityprogramme, has provided experiencein defence matters, and how NewZealand’s key defence partnersoperate.

The distinction between the Ministryand the New Zealand Defence Forceis often blurred in public perception.The ministry’s main roles are toprovide the government with adviceon defence issues, conduct auditsand assessments of the NZDF, andarrange the acquisition of significantmilitary equipment. The latter alsoprovides the government withadvice, and delivers whatever isrequired of it with regard to defenceactivities at home and overseas.

"When it considers defence issuesthe government is looking for advicefrom both military and civilianlenses. That is set down in statute,and is very important for goodgovernance. In effect, much of theMinistry’s role in providing advice tothe government is to support theNZDF and ensure it has what itneeds to complete the tasksassigned to it efficiently andeffectively."

The Ministry’s acquisition role is vitalto the performance and deployabilityof the defence force, he says. "Thekit the defence force needs usuallyhas a very long lifetime, and involvescomplex projects and decisions. Anenormous effort has to be made toget that right."

Equally as important, he says, is theMinistry’s Evaluation Division, whichassesses and audits NZDF activities,as well as the Ministry’s ownprocurement activities.

"Each unit within the Ministry isdiscrete. Evaluation, for example,must be able to function in its ownspace so it can form an objectiveview of what is happening indefence."

He believes one of the mainchallenges facing defence in themedium term will be ensuring it isadequately staffed, and with theright equipment, to carry out thefunctions required of it by

Foreign affairs, diplomacy, and military matters are in the McKinnon blood.

John McKinnon – at the Ministry’s helm By Judith Martin

New Secretary:John McKinnon

Continued over page

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government in what is a constantlychanging international environment.

"The defence force is a largeorganisation by New Zealandstandards, and the management ofthat number of people is a hugetask, with a whole set of issues."

The government relies on theSecretary of Defence and his stafffor good advice on which to makeits defence decisions. Mr McKinnonacknowledges there will inevitablybe areas of contestability betweenthe Ministry and the defence force.

"Of course we will sometimes havedifferent views on issues, but thatmust be managed by bothorganisations to achieve anappropriate outcome. I recognise weeach have a distinct role, and we’lldo some things separately, sometogether, but the outcome is what isimportant."

Common sense, courtesy and goodcommunication are the key, he says,both in maintaining effectiverelationships between organisations,and good relationships with NewZealand’s allies.

"I like to ensure there are systemsand processes in place thatencourage good interaction. Thatcan range from casualconversations, which can be quiteimportant, to official meetings. Ibelieve to be effective, behavioursmust be channelled to encouragethat interaction."

He plans to encourageapproachability, something he hasalways done throughout his career.

"How the leaders of any group ofpeople act and operate is importantfor what it signals to people in andoutside the organisation."

Defence in New Zealand, he says, isin the middle of interesting andexciting times. An extensiveacquisition programme across allthree Services is underway, and theNZDF’s operational tempo is high.

"There’s a feeling of buoyancywithin defence, and I’m keen to bepart of that."

T h r e e S e r v i c e s A s O n e Fo r c e

Seventy-two New Zealand Defence Force personnel were in the island nationas part of a 150-strong ANZAC task force sent there to help restore law andorder.

The NZDF worked with Tongan Defence Service personnel to secure theFau’amotu Airport, and then helped restore calm in the city.

The Minister of Defence, Phil Goff said discussions with authorities in Tongaand between himself and Australian Defence Minister, Brendan Nelson,confirmed that the situation on the ground in Tonga no longer required thepresence of New Zealand Defence Force personnel.

"The closing of Parliament passed without incident and following thedevastating events of 16 November stability has been restored and thesituation has so far remained calm.

"Should any further disturbance arise, and this is not anticipated, Tonganauthorities are confident that they can handle the situation.

"Our Defence Force personnel have operated in a low key and effectivemanner. They have worked well with the Tongan Defence Service and theirAustralian counterparts, and their job is now completed.

"They were effective in securing the airport and enabling resumption ofcommercial flights. They then worked to provide back-up to Tongan defenceand police personnel to ensure that a sense of stability and security wasrestored to Nuku'alofa.

"As always our defence and police personnel operated in a manner that wonconfidence among local people.

"We hope that in the calmer environment, the way is now open forreconciliation, and for progress to resume towards democratic reform.

"New Zealand supports this process, though we have not sought to intrude inan area that must be determined by Tongan people themselves.

Police personnel from both New Zealand and Australia are to remain in Tonga alittle longer, pending the completion of forensic work.

"It is likely that the New Zealand Police will continue to assist capacitybuilding in the Tongan Police, at Tonga's invitation, over the longer term,” Mr Goff said.

New Zealand Defence Force personnel have withdrawn from Tonga,having helped stabilise the country following riots and arson in thecapital Nuku’alofa in November.

Tonga troops return home after calm restored

Private "BJ" Sidney with a local Tongan after securing the airport.

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The Royal New Zealand Navy officergiven the task of being New ZealandEquerry to the Queen for the officialdedication ceremony of the NewZealand Memorial in London onArmistice Day says the job was "anhonour."

"I felt privileged to be asked to bethe New Zealand Equerry for thededication ceremony, which in itselfwas memorable and very moving.The Queen’s a gracious, charminglady, and you can tell she has a realsoft spot for New Zealand," said CdrShaun Fogarty.

As lead planner for the NZDF side oforganising the official dedicationceremony, Cdr Fogarty was asked tobe Equerry because it was a NewZealand event. New Zealand militarypersonnel act as equerry to theQueen when she visits New Zealand,but Cdr Fogarty’s appointment wasthe first for a New Zealander whilethe Queen was still in Britain.

"Buckingham Palace offered theNZDF the opportunity, as they werekeen to make it as much a NewZealand occasion as possible. I washonoured to be nominated by CDF,and appointed."

The appointment involved being theQueen and the Duke of Edinburgh’smilitary escort during the ceremony,answering any questions they hadabout the ceremony, and lookingafter them in public, which includedsitting with them in the Royal Stand.

Originally he expected to only escort

the Queen to and during the 11November ceremony; his tasks grew,however, when Her Majestysuggested he present Prime MinisterHelen Clark and her husbandProfessor Peter Davis to her atBuckingham Palace on 10 November.

The dedication ceremony was awhole of government affair, involvingthe Ministry of Culture and Heritage,Veterans’ Affairs, the Ministry forForeign Affairs and Trade, and theNew Zealand High Commission inLondon, as well as the New ZealandDefence Force.

The event was also attended byPrince Charles and his wife Camilla,Duchess of Cornwall, Prince William,Prince Andrew, Princess Anne, theDuke of Kent, British Prime MinisterTony Blair and his wife Cherie.

"The only main Royals who could notattend were Princes Harry andEdward, who had prior engagements.It was a real compliment to NewZealand that so many members ofthe Royal family attended."

He said the space allocated at HydePark for the 120-man Guard andColour Party was awkward, withlimited flat ground, necessitating theceremony to be very finely tuned.

"The rehearsal the night before wasa bit of a stop-start affair, with somelast minute changes to theprogramme needing to be made.Timing was critical as we knew wehad to be at a certain spot in HydePark at 1453 hours, and that there

were fourminutesallocated for usto get up on thedais to be righton cue for thenational anthem,and then theRAF/RNZAF flypast at 1457 hours. Onthe day everything went likeclockwork."

Cdr Fogarty said Squadron LeaderWarren Dale (the deputy planner) didan outstanding job ensuring all thefiner details were taken care of, asdid the Air Force Warrant Officers P JSmith (contingent WO) and DougWallace (Maori Cultural Group WO),and the Army’s ceremonial WarrantOfficer, WO1 Warren Rowe. "Thecontingent of 250 NZDF personnel,led by Colonel Kevin Burnett, werefantastic ambassadors for NewZealand."

The British military also helpedconsiderably, providingaccommodation, transport, andfacilities for the New Zealanders tochange out of their uniforms, andhold a reception. "They also hadcontingencies in place in case therewere any hiccups in us flying acrossthe world for the ceremony."

"It really was a memorableoccasion."

For more on the New ZealandMemorial in London, seewww.nzdf.mil.nz/news/imagegallery/ourpeople

Equerry appointment an honour for NZ officer

Sergeant Royal Pita, of the New Zealand Army, and a member of the contingent's MaoriCultural Group, "uplifts" Queen Elizabeth, who is flanked by the Prime Minister Helen Clark,and Warrant Officer Doug Wallace. The process is known as taupaepae or escort party, asthe Queen is not challenged in her own country. Her status affords her the honour of an"armed escort" , which is the role of the taupaepae party. Photo: Kent Gavin

All Blacks Piri Weepu and Jerry Collinsinspect the sporting standard, one of 16in the New Zealand Memorial in HydePark. Photo: Kent Gavin

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T h r e e S e r v i c e s A s O n e Fo r c e

But there were no elements of displayin this burn-off. It was all just part ofthe job for members of the 1st NewZealand Explosive Ordnance DisposalSquadron - the bomb squad.

The fireworks, which were all pasttheir use-by date and unable to besold or used, were taken to anisolated area of Waiouru where theywere placed on pallets in a pit,doused with diesel and set alight.

Military ordnance, which is old orunusable, is disposed of similarly.Pits are carefully dug in an isolatedarea, and the ordnance placed inlayers, between which is positionedthe initiating explosives. Withoperators standing about 1000metres away, the pit is blown upremotely.

EOD Squad commanding officerMajor Bob Gillies says safety isparamount when his staff undertakeany disposal task.

"There is a procedure to follow, and avery methodical way of completingthe task."

The EOD Squadron is relatively new -it celebrated its first birthday recently– although in New Zealand the Armyhas traditionally been one of theofficial organisations that deals withthe disposal of explosives.

The squadron is tri-Service and isresponsible for explosive ordnancedisposal, which includes chemicaland biological explosives, and fordisposing of improvised explosivedevices - in other words bombs. It also disposes of unserviceablecommercial explosives andammunitions.

It employs four civilians throughoutthe country who dispose ofcommercial products on thesquadron’s behalf.

Following the events of September 11,2001, the New Zealand government

recognised the need to be able todeal with potential terrorism, hencethe establishment of the EODSquadron. The New Zealand Armyhas taken the lead in introducing anddeveloping the new capability, butthe squadron will be tri-Service.

Major Gillies says while the biggestrisks for the squadron are associatedwith improvised explosive devices,the disposal of military ordnancemust also be undertaken veryprecisely.

"We are often called to dispose of, forexample, ammunition or a grenadebrought back from a war anddiscovered in someone’s shed.Military ordnance is designed to kill,and it may have become unstablethrough wear and tear. Operators aretrained to recognise the item andeffectively and safely dispose of it.

Bomb disposal is much morecomplex, he says.

Safety first - the NZDF’sbomb disposal squad By Judith Martin

It sounded like it could be one of the best Guy Fawkes displays in the country – 100 tonnes of fireworks goingup in smoke in the middle of the North Island.

How it's done: Staff Sergeant Jack Nuttall supervises as a soldier prepares old ordnance for destruction.

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"An improvised bomb can look likeanything, and can be made in manyways, and you don’t knowimmediately what could trigger it. Itcould be made by kids who have readabout it on the Internet and are intoexperimenting, or by someone withmuch more sinister motives, such asin the Trades Hall bombing inWellington in the 1980s.

"It often doesn’t matter if a bomb is

simple or sophisticated – both can beeffective."

When an incident occurs, such assomething suspicious is left in apublic building, other emergencyservices - the police, fire brigade andambulance - are involved. Cordonsmust be established and buildingsevacuated.

"You are dealing with the unknown,and may have to work with itremotely, using a robot. Sometimesour operators must rely on thedescription provided by witnesses,which can be inaccurate," says MajorGillies.

The training involved in becoming adisposal operator is extensive.

"Operators are taught about bombs,what’s inside ordnance, and how itworks. Safety is a huge issue, so theyare taught how to protect themselvesand the public. Importantly, they aretaught to deal with the unknown.That is often the hardest part for ourinstructors – ensuring operators areprepared for anything.

"We have an array of equipment thatcan be used, and they are taughtwhat equipment can be used in

different scenarios. They learn towork methodically so they don’t missanything. Some tasks are simple, andthey can be dealt with quickly. Bombdisposal can take up to five hours todeal with, and, because they havebeen designed by someone to kill,disfigure or scare, can be complicatedand very dangerous."

Bomb disposal operators spend muchof their time upskilling, readingresearch, and familiarisingthemselves with overseas trends.

They usually possess certain personalcharacteristics, says Major Gillies. "Aswell as needing to have technicalskills, they have to have the righttemperament. They have to beconfident, and able to cope withstress."

It can be daunting when all eyes areon you as you work to render a bombsafe.

"There is a lot of pressure to returnthe situation back to normal sopeople can carry on with what theywere doing."

Bang: 100 tonnes of fireworks go up in smoke.

On the job: A bomb squad member at work. Photo: The Dominion Post

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The Territorial Forces EmployerSupport Council has been launchedby the Minister of Defence, Phil Goff.The 12-member council is made upof high-profile business executives,and representatives fromgovernment departments, employergroups, unions, and the tertiaryeducation sector. As well aspromoting the Territorial Forces toemployers, the council will advisethe Minister of Defence on what canbe done to make the reservistsystem more employer-friendly.

The launch of the council offersanother boost to the NZDF's part-time personnel. It follows theVolunteers Employment ProtectionAct which was introduced in 2004 toprotect the civilian jobs of theTerritorial Forces should they bedeployed overseas.

The CEO of New Zealand's biggestemployer, John Allen of NZ Post, isleading the new council and says histeam is enthusiastic about the taskahead.

"Our council sees that the NZDF ismaking a difference in hot spots allaround the world and we know thatthe Regular Force is very strongly

supported by the Territorial Forces.My team and I are very proud to bebacking the Territorial Forces and wehave a real passion to make adifference."

Mr Allen admits he knew little aboutthe Defence Force when he wasinvited by the Minister to chair thecouncil. "As an outsider I had noidea about the range of thecontribution that both Regular andTerritorial Forces are makinginternationally. I soon saw that therewas valuable work to be done tohelp employers like me understandthe skill base of the Defence Forceand the contribution made by theTerritorial Forces."

He has a clear message foremployers about Territorial Forceemployees. "I want them to knowthat the leadership, team work andtechnical skills that are beingprovided in the Defence Force areworld class. Thousands of dollarsare spent by employers puttingpeople through courses to developthose skills and here's the DefenceForce offering extraordinaryprogrammes that create and fosterthose skills. I want employers tounderstand that if you haveemployees who are in the TerritorialForces you are going to be moresuccessful."

His comments are echoed by TenbyPowell, CEO of the Rakino Group,owners of Hirepool.

As the commanding officer of the3rd Northland/Auckland BattalionGroup of the Territorial Army, MrPowell has had direct experience ofthe personal and professionalbenefits of being in the Territorials."My business leadership successand my success in businessgenerally would not have been thesame without my military training,"he says.

He points out that for somecommercial employers there areissues with Territorial Forceemployees. Key concerns are the

costs associated with covering leavetaken for training and findingappropriate temporary staff. He seesthe appointment of the council as"an extremely positive" first step infinding solutions.

The council will talk to TerritorialForce employees and theiremployers to understand the keyissues affecting their relationshipsbefore developing initiatives andadvice for the Defence Minister. Sixregional employer supportcommittees will also be set up toengage directly with local businesscommunities.

Mr Allen has already begun to makea difference in his own organisation.He says New Zealand Post is movingto review the way it engages with itsTerritorial Force employees. "I wouldlike to see us become a benchmarkfor how the relationships betweenemployers and employees can bemanaged," he says.

New council to boost Territorial Forces By Charlotte Lee-Smith

T h r e e S e r v i c e s A s O n e Fo r c e

A group of prominent New Zealand leaders has come together to raise the profile of the NZDF's TerritorialForces to employers and the wider community.

Clockwise, from top, Territorial Forces Employer Support Council chairman John Allen; Territorial Force dental hygienist WO 1 Denise Mariuwith a young patient; TF officer Captain Anthony Mitchelson; TF soldier Sergeant John McGrail with Bougainville children.

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Amidst fanfare, sea shanties anda rousing haka performed by thesailors of the Royal New ZealandNavy, the latest naval ship, theOffshore Patrol Vessel Otago, waslaunched on Saturday 18November at Williamstown,Melbourne.

At 11.20am Dame Silvia Cartwright,the ship’s sponsor, launched theOtago with the words: "I name, andam honoured to launch this ship,Otago. May God bless all those whosail in her".

As the champagne bottle smashedagainst the bow, the pin wasremoved and loud cheers from the3800-strong crowd accompaniedOtago as she slid down the slipway.

Otago remained briefly at the wharfopposite the RNZN’s multi-rolevessel Canterbury, prior to returningto the dry dock to commence herextensive fit-out.

The Otago is one of two offshorepatrol vessels which are part of theseven-ship Project Protector fleet.The project will see Tenix Defencedeliver seven new ships to theMinistry of Defence. They will becommissioned into service with theRoyal New Zealand Navy beginningfrom early 2007.

Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral DavidLedson described the day asmemorable.

"As a sailor, I can’t resist giving theship the qualities of a person. In theNew Zealand context, Otago movesfrom the realm of Papatuanuku, theEarth Mother, to the domain ofTangaroa, the God of the Sea."

Commanding Officer of Otago,Lieutenant Commander John Butcheris Dunedin-born and Invercargill-bred. "I am very much lookingforward to taking her home intoboth Dunedin and Bluff to show thepeople of Otago and Southland theirship," he said.

Otago will be affiliated to the Otagoand Southland regions, incorporatingthe ports of Dunedin, Invercargill,and Bluff.

"The ships provide an enhancedcapability and capacity to the Navyin a variety of roles," said RearAdmiral Ledson.

"They provide to the Defence Forcea Navy with greater versatility andenable us to work more effectivelywith a range of other Governmentagencies within our EEZ, andthroughout the South Pacific andbeyond. Importantly, too, they willgive us an increased presencearound New Zealand and so willmake it possible for more NewZealanders to see the Navy makingits contribution to the country’sprosperity and security.”

Offshore Patrol Vessel Otago launched

A recent visit to Korea provided anexcellent opportunity toappreciate the complexities of theregion, and discuss areas ofmutual interest, says Chief ofArmy, Major General Lou Gardiner.

"It gave me an insight into how theKorean way of thinking influencesthe decisions and actions that aretaken there. I can now understandthe context of the current problemsfacing the region," he says.

Major General Gardiner was in theRepublic of Korea to attend theDefence Asia 2006 Conference. Healso had formal discussions withGeneral Kim Jang Soo and the Chiefof Staff of the Indonesian NationalArmy. Defence diplomacy was amajor aspect of the visit, and afterattending the conference Major

General Gardinervisited severalmilitaryinstallations.

Militarypersonnel fromROK and NewZealand hadworked alongside each other severaltimes in recent years, and NewZealand military personnel wereheld in high regard by their Koreancounterparts, he said. "NewZealand’s contribution to the KoreanWar is widely acknowledged in ROK,

Korean visit provides better understanding

Continued over page

CO: Otago's commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander John Butcher.

Armistice monitors: NZDF personnel in Korea, from left, SLT Karl Vetter, Lt Darren Young, Major Richard Anderson,and, far right, Colonel Tim Gall, with Major General Lou Gardiner, (second right); right, an observation post in thedemilitarised zone between North and South Korea.

Major GeneralGardiner

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T h r e e S e r v i c e s A s O n e Fo r c eT h r e e S e r v i c e s A s O n e Fo r c e

LAC Shane Kissell has alwaysenjoyed finding out how thingswork.

As an avionics technician with theAir Force he now spends his workingweek doing what he enjoys most –keeping the equipment in the RNZAFaircraft in the condition required formilitary operations.

"I had a few different jobs afterleaving school, but I wanted a jobwhere I would receive training. Iwanted something that would setme up for the future. Avionicsseemed a good choice."

The Air Force’s avionics techniciansare responsible for all aircraftelectronic and electrical systemsand components, including thoseused for radio communication,navigation, flight, observation andelectrical generation. They are partof ground teams who carry out allaspects of equipment installation,trouble-shooting and maintenanceto ensure the aircraft are ready forwhatever is required of them.

Training involves a course of 12weeks basic military instruction,

followed by an aeronauticalengineering course, and then anavionics mechanics course.Advanced trade training is a 40-week residential course thatprovides a thorough understandingof electronic theory, the operationand application of electronicdevices, telecommunications, radarand flight system principles.

Once technicians are posted to aspecific squadron they receivespecialist training for the aircrafttype that squadron operates.

Shane says after completing hisrecruit course at Woodbourne hisspeciality training began, andinvolved various aspects ofengineering and electronics.Technicians work on real aircraft aswell as various aircraft parts in theworkshop, and complete severalcourses to become proficient.

Training also involves deployingwhen aircraft, such as the RNZAFIroquois helicopters, are needed aspart of operational missionsoverseas. Shane deployed toSolomon Islands with No. 3Squadron and helped maintain thefour helicopters the squadron hadthere.

As well as providing training, hiscareer choice gives him theopportunity for camaraderie, sportand travel.

"The skills I’m learning are veryportable, and we’re given lots oftime to play sport and stay fit. TheAir Force is getting a whole lot ofnew equipment, and working onthat will be an added bonus."

What’s needed:

• You must be 17 years or older

• A minimum of 12 Level 2 NCEA credits inEnglish, mathematics and a sciencesubject

• New Zealand permanent residency

For more information seewww.airforce.mil.nz/careers/avionics

Avionics technician – skills for the future

An Air Force Iroquois in Solomon Islands.

Set for the future: LAC Shane Kissell.

and General Kim expressed hisgratitude for that contribution."

As well as visiting the ROK StaffCollege, Special WarfareCommand and the ROK Armyheadquarters, Major GeneralGardiner attended the weeklyUnited Nations Command (UNC),and spent time with the UNC andUnited Nations Command MilitaryArmistice Commission.

"Spending time with personnelfrom both organisations gave me amuch better understanding of therelationship between US/UN andROK forces; the historicalperspectives, and the work ourfour NZDF personnel are doingoverseeing the armistice."

Lieutenant Darren Young, a NewZealand Army TF officer posted toUNCMAC, briefed Major GeneralGardiner at his work site,Observation Post DORA. The postlooks out over the DemilitarisedZone and North Korea as well asthe four lane transportationcorridor that links the ROK withthe Kaesong Industrial Park inNorth Korea.

Hundreds of vehicles andpersonnel travel through thecorridor daily, and one of LtYoung’s responsibilities is tomonitor and track theirmovements.

Korea visit provides betterunderstanding(Continued)

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T h r e e S e r v i c e s A s O n e Fo r c e

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Pageant rocks

Wellington’s Westpac Stadium rockedwith the sound of shell fire andfireworks on Friday 3 November at aspectacular musical military pageantheld to mark the Year of the Veteranand the 90th anniversary of the RoyalNew Zealand Returned and Services’Association (RNZRSA).

More than 800 performers took part inthe pageant, which included NewZealand Defence Force bands, NZPolice bands, the City of WellingtonHighland Pipe Band, Tawa andDistricts Highland Band, and TawaCollege Choir.

Non-proliferation exercise

New Zealand, along with 16 othercountries, participated in theProliferation Security Initiative inNovember as part of its commitment topreventing the spread of weapons ofmass destruction. The exercise, calledLeading Edge, was sponsored by theUnited States and was a command postsimulation. It tested PSI partnernations’ abilities to coordinateappropriate responses to the threat ofweapons proliferation. Inter-agency andinternational procedures for detecting,monitoring, and managing aproliferation threat within a realistic butfictitional scenario were also tested.

CDF attends Asia-Pacific talks

Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparaewas one of 24 Defence Chiefs who metin Kuala Lumpur recently to discusssecurity challenges and cooperation inthe Asia- Pacific region.

The three day conference wasLieutenant General Mateparae’s firstmajor multilateral engagement as theChief of the New Zealand DefenceForce, and he welcomed theopportunity to inform his peers aboutNew Zealand’s involvement in the AsiaPacific region generally, and in Timor-Leste and Solomon Islands inparticular.

Co-hosted by Malaysian Defence ChiefAdmiral Mohamed Anwar Mohamed

Nor, and United States PacificCommand Commander, AdmiralWilliam J. Fallon, this was the ninthannual security conference of its kind.The theme of the conference was“Meeting Security Challenges withCapabilities and Co-operation", anddiscussion ranged from the escalationthreat posed by ballistic missiledefence, through to peacekeeping anddisaster relief operations.

Other nations attending the eventincluded Australia, Bangladesh,Brunei,Cambodia, France, Indonesia,Japan, the Republic of Korea,Maldives, Mauritius, Pakistan, thePhilippines,Thailand, Vietnam, theUnited States and Malaysia.

In other words, coaxing, changingand encouraging them to be, in hiswords, "as capable and effectual asthey can be, and fully supportive ofthe sharp end they are connectedto."

"The New Zealand Defence Forceperforms exceptionally welloperationally, and also in raising,training and sustaining itspersonnel. One thing it doesn’tseem to have though is a 21stcentury, business-like method of

measuring its corporate activities,nor has it been using the sort oftools one would expect to see atwork in a large corporate identity."

Dr Benny, who joined the NZDF inAugust as General ManagerOrganisational Support, is part ofthe Executive Leadership Team,which provides governance andleadership to the NZDF. A clinicalbiochemist, he came to Defencefrom the New Zealand BloodService, where he was Chief

ExecutiveOfficer. HispreviousrolesincludedGeneral Manager at CountiesManukau District Health Board andAuckland District Health Board, andChief Operating Officer atMetlifecare Ltd.

For more on Dr Benny, seewww.nzdf.mil.nz/corporate/keypersonnel/gmos

Dr Graeme Benny is passionate about moulding corporate organisations into examplesof efficiency and effectiveness.

Encouraging Defence efficiency and effectiveness –Graeme Benny

CDF, Major General Jerry Mateparae chats with Malaysian Defence Chief AdmiralMohamed Anwar Mohamed Nor.

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THE NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE FORCE: ALL CORNERS OF THE WORLD

CONTRIBUTIONS TO UN MISSIONS LOCATION DEPLOYED

UNMIT Timor-Leste 2UNMIK Kosovo 1UNTSO Middle East 8UNCMAC Korea 3UNAMI Iraq 1UNAMA Afghanistan 1UNMIS Sudan 3

CONTRIBUTIONS TO REGIONAL MISSIONS LOCATION DEPLOYED

RAMSI Solomon Islands 86

CONTRIBUTIONS TO INTERNATIONAL FORCES LOCATION DEPLOYED

EUFOR Liaison Team Bosnia 11ISAF Staff Officers/NCO Afghanistan 3MFO Sinai 26OEF Staff Officer/SNCOs Afghanistan 4OEF Provincial Reconstruction Team Afghanistan 108OEF (RNZAF) The Gulf Region 6OEF Florida, USA 3Timor-Leste Coalition Force Timor-Leste 216

NZ DEFENCE FORCE DEPLOYMENTS (As at 1 December)

HMNZS Te Kaha Western Australia 177HMNZS Endeavour Western Australia 51

TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL ON OPERATIONS OR DEPLOYMENT 766

REGULAR FORCE STRENGTH (As at 1 December)

Navy 2,033Army 4,542Airforce 2,402TOTAL NZDF RF 8,977Territorial forces 2,209Civilians 2,279

NZ DEFENCE FORCE OPERATIONS (As at 1 December)

New Zealand talks defence withChina…

High level defence and securitydiscussions between New Zealand andChina were held in November. The talksincluded a meeting with the Minister ofNational Defence and also involveddiscussions at the National DefenceUniversity and the Academy of MilitaryScience in Beijing.

…and Vietnam

New Zealand and Vietnam will look atfurther developing their defencerelationship. Defence Minister Phil Goffhas met Vietnamese Defence MinisterSenior Lieutenant General Phung QuangThanh in Hanoi.

"New Zealand and Vietnam will holdformal bilateral defence talks in 2007and a visit to New Zealand is planned fornext year by Vice Defence Minister,Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen HuyHieu,” said Mr Goff.

"The talks and the Vice Minister’s visitwill enable us to identify areas of mutualinterest where both parties can benefitfrom enhanced cooperation and beginworking together. The Vietnamese havealready expressed an interest in learningfrom New Zealand’s peacekeepingexperience and receiving assistance indeveloping their own capabilities in thisarea.

"We will also discuss the possibilities ofinitiating some training activities withVietnam under the auspices of theMutual Assistance Programme whichcould cover areas such as leadershipdevelopment and professional training.”

Troops to Timor–Leste

One hundred and forty-five NZDFpersonnel departed for a six-month tourof duty in Timor-Leste on 23 November,replacing an infantry company sent tothe country in May this year as part ofthe international coalition task force.

Territorials to Solomons

The New Zealand Army’s TerritorialForce(TF) is taking a major role inmaintaining peace in Solomon Islands. A45-strong contingent of Army officersand soldiers left for Solomon Islands atthe end of November. Thirty-three of the45 personnel are TF, and were chosenfor the deployment based on theirexperience. Chief of Army, Major GeneralLou Gardiner says he is confident theteam will do well. "This kind ofdeployment is ideal for the TerritorialForces to take a major role in. Themission in Solomon Islands requiresstrong infantry skills and an ability toget on well with the local people. TFsoldiers have the best of both worlds;robust infantry training and goodeveryday people skills from their civilianlives."

IN BRIEF