Half Way. to countries. Touching the. Reaching for. Three Services, what do the One Force. the Sky. public think? p4 p6 p9 p13.

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1 FORCE4NZ FORCE4NZ SPECIAL EDITION Half Way to 2020 Three Services, Touching the Reaching for what do the One Force Enemy the Sky public think? p4 p6 p9 p13 13 countries One Task Force Southern Katipo 2017 FORCE4NZ SPECIAL EDITION

2 2 FORCE4NZ SPECIAL EDITION Better Together SK17 victory in becara Political instability in the fictitious South Pacific state of Becara in Greymouth was suppressed, signaling the conclusion of the latest New Zealand-led SOUTHERN KATIPO exercise. Over five weeks until 24 November, the troubled republic of Becara became the focus of the 13-nation military intervention tasked with restoring law and order, delivering humanitarian assistance and evacuating those displaced by violence. Straddling seven South Island districts and regions from Greymouth to Kaikoura, Becara became the training ground for soldiers from Fiji, Chile, Brunei, Malaysia, Timor Leste, Tonga, and Papua New Guinea, as well as small groups from Australia, Canada, the United States, France and Britain. The fourth, and most substantial, iteration of Southern Katipo extended the 2015 scenario in which a New Zealand-led joint taskforce set out to help restore law and order after ethnic rivalries exploded into violence in Becara. With the Government of Becara unable to prevent a repeat of the 2015 conflict, the Combined Joint Task Force was tasked with the evacuation of non-combatants in the Marlborough region, countering the militia, interdicting shipments of drugs and arms, and retaking towns on the West Coast that had fallen under militia control. Local volunteers stepped forward to act as refugees in need of transport from areas of fighting. Aid agencies, non-governmental organisations, New Zealand Police and Government departments processed the displaced people, adding to the realism of the exercise. By November 8, coalition forces had retaken Havelock, Reefton and Westport from ethnic militia group Wesso Freedom Army, whose atrocities against civilians included murder and intimidation. Exercise director, Lieutenant Colonel Martin Dransfield, said this year higher threat levels were used to create more challenging training environments across the spectrum of operations. The longer duration up from three weeks to five had tested the Defence Force s resilience in every area from communications to logistics, giving confidence the NZDF could lead a joint task force into a similar situation in the south west Pacific if it

3 FORCE4NZ SPECIAL EDITION 3 ClOCKWISE FROM LEFT: A youngster high-fives a Kiwi soldier as he stands among soldiers on patrol in Greytown. Dog handler Sapper Maylin Broderick and Chuck, his Explosive Detection Dog. A Navy RHIB speeds past HMNZS CANTERBURY. An RNZAF NH-90 helicopter arrives in Greymouth. were to arise. The operation s success owed much to the support and involvement of local communities, Lieutenant Colonel Dransfield said. That co-operation was highlighted when defence personnel and locals worked together to save an orca that had been stranded for more than 24 hours at Marfells Beach near Seddon. One of the many long-term benefits was the creation and strengthening of relationships with defence forces from other countries, some of which, such as Timor Leste and Chile, had participated for the first time. There was also deeper participation from other government departments such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Ministry of Health, which joined Customs, the Ministry for Primary Industries, the NZ Transport Authority, Immigration New Zealand, district health boards, Red Cross and St John New Zealand for the exercise. Midway through the exercise, Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Major General Tim Gall congratulated the Force Elements for their execution of a complex, multi-national activity, and also acknowledged the hard work behind the scenes. Southern Katipo has been a test of the whole NZDF model. It is another milestone on our path to 2020, of being able to deploy and sustain an integrated defence force in the South Pacific. Lieutenant General Tim Keating Chief of Defence Force The deployed Force Elements and our international partners are out there learning a lot, and hopefully having fun doing the job they joined the NZDF for. However, I am also conscious of the significant and not so well-recognised efforts of much of the rest of the NZDF to enable us to get approximately 30 per cent of the uniformed force involved in the exercise, he said. Newly-appointed Minister of Defence Ron Mark visited SK17 and was impressed. I ve seen that they are welltrained for these tasks, and how in this exercise they are fine-tuning the skills and interoperability they need to be successful on deployments of all types, Mr Mark said.

4 4 FORCE4NZ SPECIAL EDITION Better Together Joint Forces JTF: A WORK IN PROGRESS Call to Action: One Force doesn t mean the three Services are all the same. Towards 2020, we will do better at building efficiencies, while acknowledging our differences. What did we learn from SK17? We need to embed that knowledge towards our vision of becoming an Integrated Task Force. This is a big cultural change for many of us it will take time to embed. JSCC Colonel Ruth Putze HQJFNZ is a tangible example of what can be achieved in a context of working together be it bringing together expertise from across all three Services, other agencies or a multi-national effort. In the Defence Force, often the three Services use the same resources e.g. ammunition, fuel, or food. Recently, the Joint Support Component Command, made up of Joint Operational Health Group, Defence Munitions Management Group, and Joint National Support Element was stood up to raise train and sustain these common resources. This increases our efficiency on exercises and operations, provides opportunities to add value or save money, and provides subject matter expertise and knowledge to make the best decisions with a holistic attitude. But to embed such significant changes takes time says the Joint Support Component Commander Colonel Ruth Putze. The JSCC and the units within it are still very much a work in progress, which requires a lot of engagement and communication across the three Services. The development of joint units within the NZDF is a big cultural change for many of us, which will take time to embed. In the last 12 months she has seen a number of instances where we are succeeding in delivering a joint effect, such as Air Force medics on land operations and Army medical officers on maritime operations. This approach is important as it provides our people with valuable in-field experience that in turn can be taken into other mission scenarios, be it deployed on a ship or as part of an aero-medical evacuation. This improves our deployed interoperability and maximises the opportunity for our professional soldiers, sailors and airmen to use their skills. During the Kaikoura earthquake in November 2016, the JSCC was a single point of co-ordination for health support, logistics advice to MCDEM and we facilitated the provision of all forms of fuel, by engaging closely with BP, HQ JFNZ and our users on the ground, said Colonel Putze. PROCESS DIAGRAM Regional Humanitarian Domestic Disaster Relief Domestic Civil Support Assistance and Disaster Relief Peace Support Non combatant evacuation operations Domestic Support regional Support

5 FORCE4NZ SPECIAL EDITION 5 Stability Operations Countering Irregular Activity Major War Fighting coalition Support

6 6 FORCE4NZ SPECIAL EDITION Better Tools Weapons How far can you reach out and touch the enemy? Better tools and the right kit for 2020 means better weapons and ancillaries. The Modular Assault Rifle System Light rifles, and 1600 Glock 17 pistols were introduced into the NZDF last year. By November the Regular Force Army, starting with 1 NZ Brigade, had received their rifles, while Navy, Air Force and Army Reserves are due theirs by mid-2018, replacing the Steyr rifle. The total of 9040 rifles includes a pool of 3472 rifles within MFUs and as spares other rifles are ringfenced for deployments. Major John Lawrey, Capability Integration Lead, says personnel need one day s training to learn weapon maintenance, loading and basic stoppage drills and three more days to go from zero to hero, to be able to pass the weapon qualification shoot, plus a day is required for training on the grenade launcher. Recently completed was the Train the Trainers programme for Navy and Air Force, who will go back to their units and train their personnel. We re on schedule for first quarter deliveries for the rifles, says Major Lawrey. We ve completed the Train the Trainers and Train the Maintainers, and units are now ready to receive and start conversion training as soon as they get their rifles. From January, Navy and Air Officer Cadets will be the first people getting them during Joint Officer Induction Course training. A sailor adopts a standing pose with the MARS-L during training. Apart from the fact they both fire bullets, there s no comparison between the Steyr and the MARS-L. It s a total generation change, to new and modern. Being an infantry soldier, it s all about how far you can reach out and touch the enemy. The range capability of the rifle is a big bonus. Those things, a different mix of powder, different field characteristics, combined with a new scope it s all been married together to make it more effective. I m just an infantry man, and a gun goes bang, but it gets quite technical. It s leaps and bounds ahead, and it s on a par with other forces around the world. Lance Corporal Byron Bateman Call to Action: We are on schedule to deliver the MARS-L rifle and help you achieve excellence. An airman checks his target with the instructor. A sailor comes to grips with the MARS-L rifle at Waiouru.

7 FORCE4NZ SPECIAL EDITION 7 Firepower comes in all sizes The Barrett M107A1 anti-materiel weapon (centre). The New Zealand Defence Force is committing NZ$4 million towards equipping our forces with the Barrett M107A1 anti-materiel weapon and the Barrett Multi Role Adaptive Design (MRAD) sniper rifle. Forty M107A1 and 42 MRAD weapons will be bought. The 0.50-calibre semi-automatic M107A1 anti-materiel rifle provides a new capability, giving soldiers the ability to effecively identify and engage vehicle or installation targets with precision to 1500m. The Barrett MRAD.338 Lapua Magnum, also effective at 1500m, replaces the current AW 7.62mm calibre sniper rifle, effective to 800m, which has reached the end of its service life. The new weapons will significantly increase the range of NZDF snipers, with the innovation of new tripods increasing their ability to shoot in various positions, from prone to standing. Both weapons will be used by infantry units within the New Zealand Army and the New Zealand SAS, and will be introduced into service from mid Scoresheet The Anti-Materiel rifle The Sniper rifle Weight (max) 13 kg Magazine capacity 10 rounds Effective to 1500m Portable, with ergonomic bespoke carry bag Significant reduction in recoil, allowing rapid engagement of multiple targets Weight (max) 6 kg kg Magazine capacity 10 rounds Effective to 1500m Fully adjustable match grade 2 stage trigger The Barrett Multi Role Adaptive Design (MRAD) sniper rifle. Innovative bolt mechanism running in a polymer sleeve less prone to fouling And all the extras The Soldier Modernisation project will deliver the replacement for the current Advanced Combat Helmet and Releasable Body Armour Vest within 18 months. The project will also deliver new night vision equipment, inline weapon sights and handheld observation devices to replace items such as the Mini N/Seas, CNVD-T2 thermal imaging sight, N/ CROS binoculars and Vector Laser Range Finder. Operator can change from.338 to 7.62mm in under 3 minutes Ballistic computer integrated with the optic sight to allow engagement of multiple targets at various ranges in different weather conditions Have wheels, will travel The Army s Protected Mobility Capability Project (PMCP) will provide the NZDF with a protected land mobility capability. PCMP will also deliver vehicles to replace the armoured LOV; these new vehicles will provide a much better level of protection for troops against ballistic and blast threats. Also included will be vehicles to replace the unarmoured LOVs and remaining Unimogs. New Zealand Army vehicles lineup at Camp Rocky in Rockhampton, Australia, prior to the commencement of Exercise Talisman Saber.

8 8 FORCE4NZ SPECIAL EDITION Better Tools Navy, helicopters A Seasprite touches down on HMNZS WELLINGTON during Exercise Southern Katipo We don t unload helicopters Having the NH90s now operating from the ship opens up so many more capabilities for us, and for the navy it s just a further extension of our three services working as one. CANTERBURY Commanding Officer Commander Simon Rooke (2016) It s great, now we have the extra airframes, to be able to deploy an aircraft on an OPV in support of RNZN operations. We re really looking forward to being part of the crew and playing a part in making operations a success. OTAGO Flight Commander, Lieutenant Commander Alex Trotter It seems hard to imagine that not so long ago the only NZDF vessels that could fly a helicopter from their flight decks were HMNZS TE MANA and HMNZS TE KAHA, the Anzac-class frigates. It was a goal of the 2020 Ready strategy that Better Tools for the NZDF included Combat Ready Platforms, a situation previously not realised with the Navy s helicopter-capable vessels. CANTERBURY and both Offshore Patrol Vessels WEL- LINGTON and OTAGO had flight hangars, but those ships had not qualified to embark the RNZAF NH-90 helicopter or, in the case of all the ships, the Seasprite. And while much was made of CANTERBURY s outstanding work during Cyclones Pam and Winston in 2015 and 2016, the reality was CANTERBURY could only transport the NH90 and unload it on shore, before it could be flown. In August last year HMNZS OTAGO became the first Offshore Patrol Vessel to qualify to embark a Seasprite helicopter, with HMNZS WELLINGTON following in September this year. It means both ships have got the eyes, ears and lifting capability to make a decisive contribution to NZDF output. In December 2016 RNZAF 3 Squadron s NH90s became qualified to operate from HMNZS CANTERBURY, an important development in the NZDFs ability to conduct amphibious operations and exercises such as SOUTHERN KATIPO 17, but also providing an enhanced response to humanitarian and disaster relief. SOUTHERN KATIPO 17 has been a great exercise for CANTERBURY. We re basically bringing the forces in, inserting troops by helicopter to support the land battle. Our job is to deliver vehicles, aircraft and people in the best possible shape. We are a truely joint platform three services, one force. CANTERBURY Commanding Officer Commander Matt Wray (current)

9 FORCE4NZ SPECIAL EDITION 9 Better Tools Estate, Texans Defence Estate: Base Ohakea on the way to 2020 Call to Action: A lot of the investment in defence and infrastructure is going into areas not seen, so that when we build on solid foundations, we will have the work environments we deserve. Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Ohakea s journey to 2020 is well underway. A critical hub for the RNZAF, it has about 1000 personnel working there and has the country s third largest runway. Additions in base infrastructure and assets have paved the way for supporting the squadrons on the base in the future. In recent years it has also seen the introduction of the T-6C Texans and the A109 and NH90 helicopters. State-of-the-art facilities include a new purpose-built training facility for No. 14 Squadron. Eleven T-6C Texan aircraft, pilot training simulators, instructors and support staff are based there. The simulators, or Operational Flight Trainers, have a replica of the T-6C cockpit and a high resolution visual database that provides 3D modelling across a virtual New Zealand environment. The A109LUH simulator carries out 1200 training hours a year while other users also clock up over 150 hours on the flight training device. The Texan T-6C Operational Flight Training Device will provide more than 2000 training hours a year. In 2014, the RNZAF opened the Sir Richard Bolt terminal a building that incorporates Air Movements as well as a comprehensive and modern conference centre. Since its opening, the centre has been used to host numerous conferences, including the RNZAF Leadership forums and the 75 Years of Women in the Air Force commemoration. Ohakea Base Commander Group Captain Nick Olney said the base had undergone an intense period of change over the past few years. Our personnel have risen to every challenge and each new feature will help to support a truly modernised Air Force. I am very proud to have been at the helm during the upgrades to the base and I look forward to seeing the impacts to our people in the future. How exciting is this plane? The black-painted Texan T-6C trainers are becoming a familiar brand for the Royal New Zealand Air Force, notably as the elite aerobatics team, the Black Falcons, showcase their skills around New Zealand. As part of the 2020 Better Tools concepts of Modern Training and The Right Kit, in April 2016 the new Pilot Training Capability facility opened at Base Ohakea s 14 Squadron, made up of 11 T-6C Texan aircraft, pilot training simulators, instructors, and support staff. The launch was a decisive point for the RNZAF in transitioning from 20th century analogue to state-of-the-art equipment, said Chief of Air Force Air Vice Marshal Tony Davies. He said the new pilot training capability encompassed training, training development, simulation, mission planning and logistics support to an extent we have never seen before in our RNZAF. Up to 15 trainee pilots per year will go through the doors of 14 Squadron, using the Texan.

10 10 FORCE4NZ SPECIAL EDITION Better Tools Training Navy Navy Embeds 2020 Training How does the Royal New Zealand Navy get its future sailors through their training faster? By providing the nearest thing to the real thing. Navy Seamanship trainer The Navy s launch of the Reclaiming Seaman Excellence programme resulted in the construction of the Bill Morley Seamanship Training Aids Facility at Devonport in 2015, featuring life-size, realistic mock-ups of ship decks and equipment. The resulting platform endorsement from repeated exercises meant safer training and personnel released to ships with better skills. Waterside training facility As part of the Reclaiming Seaman Excellence programme, the end of 2017 will see the opening of a Waterside Training Facility, offering on-the-water training in lowering, releasing and reclaiming seaboats, swimmer of the watch training, and use of cranes. Combat System trainer The Frigate Combat System Trainer, based at the Maritime Warfare Training Centre, marks a significant step forward in training Combat System Specialists and Electronic Warfare Specialists. Sailors will now be assessed and complete their assignments at the school, making them ready for an Ops room in a frigate immediately. I feel excited about coming to work because I believe in what I do. We have a responsibility to provide our sailors every opportunity to be the best, and so are constantly looking at new and innovative ways of training and introducing training aids that complement our staff s passion, knowledge and expertise. Henare Cameron, Naval Training Systems Manager 2020: Fleet Capability Call to Action: We will maximise every day at sea to realise our optimal operational and training outcomes, to ensure our momentum towards the modernised fleet of two upgraded frigates, the tanker, the Littoral Operations Support Capability, and the future third Offshore Patrol Vessel, all scheduled for full capability in Next year the keel for HMNZS AOTEAROA, our new fleet tanker, will be laid in South Korea, with the tanker itself due to arrive in New Zealand in This year the Navy will reactivate Inshore Patrol Vessel HMNZS ROTOITI back into service. And by 2020, the Navy will have introduced the replacement for HMNZS MANAWANUI, the Littoral Operations Support Capability vessel. In doing so, we farewell MANAWANUI and the predecessor to AOTEAROA, HMNZS ENDEAVOUR, both being decommissioned in two months time.

11 FORCE4NZ SPECIAL EDITION 11 MIDWAY TO 2020: YOUR VIEWS Lieutenant Colonel Nikki Gardner Officer Commanding Southern Regional Command Centre Lieutenant Brock West Commanding Officer HMNZS HAWEA What is NZDF doing well at the moment? The NZDF has some excellent people polices and is a very fair and equitable employer. I don t think some of our people realise just how proactive the NZDF is with its workplace polices we are far more generous and accommodating than a significant number of employers/organisations in New Zealand. What s great the people, the variety of work and being able to do PT during work time. What s getting better NZDF (Wellington) is getting better at consulting before they make significant changes. This is essential as it allows our people to understand the why in decision making and ultimately assists with buy-in. What are your own hopes? I hope we continue to focus on being progressive in our policies, in the purchase of equipment and resources and in the management of our people. I truly believe that a progressive, nontraditional approach, which supports innovation and diversity, will set us in good stead into the future. What needs work? Effective communication in a large organisation is always going to be challenging, however it is definitely something we all could work on to ensure that our people feel valued and informed. What is NZDF doing well at the moment? I feel like there is a focus on our people around welfare and safety. We are all in demanding roles that require us to spend time away from family and loved ones, often in stressful environments. Knowing the support structures and networks are in place to help not only us but our families is what makes this a great place to work. What are your own hopes? I have loved the last 11 years. My career so far has been an endless learning opportunity through courses, postings, and self-development. I have a goal in mind to help drive me through my career, and if I don t make it, everything I have done I have enjoyed and there will be no regrets. What needs work? I think the work around the accommodation assistance has been well received and the communication around the return of defence housing has been adequate. We need to continue to work on training our people to do the jobs they are employed for. We also need to work on retaining them as we have a number of branches and specialisations that are struggling which puts pressure on the remainder causing a gap in professional knowledge. We re in demanding roles that require us to spend time away from families and loved ones. Call to Action: More technology The New Zealand Defence Force will have to adapt to the expectations of technology-savvy and qualification-hungry recruits. That s according to Captain Richard Walker (pictured), Assistant Chief of Navy Personnel and Training, who says recruits are arriving with an expectation and culture of instant connectivity. Recruits are native to the idea of computer games with complex, life-like scenarios. Therefore simulation will be key in future training, which will reduce the burden on resources. Recruits want qualifications that align with the civilian world, he says. In the future, it could be possible a university or industry training organisation could provide it, rather than inhouse NZDF.

12 12 FORCE4NZ SPECIAL EDITION Better Together Partners Our partnerships this year media Scoresheet People want to read about us The more they know the more they like us. There were 7,706 media articles, with a 71 per cent pick up of our media releases (compared to 49 per cent pick up the previous year). Emergencies Throughout 2016 our Explosive Ordnance Disposal squadron received 169 callouts. Our firefighters responded to 274 requests for help from the New Zealand Fire Service. Pacific partners In a historic first, Inshore Patrol Vessel HMNZS HAWEA was deployed to Fiji to assist in compliance patrols for six months. Working with Fiji s Ministry of Fisheries and New Zealand s Ministry for Primary Industries, HAWEA undertook 528 inspections and discovered 101 infringements. International deployments HMNZS TE KAHA completed one of the longest Navy deployments in recent years: 171 days on deployment to south-east Asia, travelling 32,000 nautical miles and visiting 10 countries, as well as joining in with a US carrier strike group. Over the last two years we have been involved in international exercises in Malaysia, Australia, Hawaii and this year in New Zealand for Exercise SOUTHERN KATIPO. Environment The Navy delivered on New Zealand s obligations to the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources by boarding a record 10 vessels near Antarctica during its annual mission. Our Air Force has delivered huts for the Department of Conservation to difficult-to-reach locations. Scientific research In the last 12 months, the Navy has delivered 54 tonnes of supplies and equipment and transported 70 government agency staff to the Kermadec Islands, for ongoing work in meteorology, volcanology, conservation and tsunami research. People follow us 83,986 followers on the NZDF on social media. This was a 43 per cent rise on the previous year. High impact events During the Kaikoura earthquake rescue and the International Naval Review in November 2016, social media posts reached over five million. International following The most widely read article of 2016/17 was a Guardian (UK) report detailing the RNZN and US Navy evacuation of people from Kaikoura. It reached nearly 9 million people. Bigger reach Our operations, exercises and partner activities have had a media reach of nearly 104 million people throughout the year. What our partners say about us GNS Science volcanologist Brad Scott Everyone is affected by tsunamis. From Joe Bloggs to the PM s office. To have NZDF support, to help us achieve our work, we re pretty rapt about that. For the past 12 months, we have been able to establish a standalone Ministry of Fisheries with the assistance offered by the Naval Ship HMNZS HAWEA and we have managed to improve on surveillance work. Fijian Minister for Fisheries Semi Koroilavesau (to the Fiji Times) Thank you for the tremendous help in refloating the stranded orca at Marfells Beach. You played an instrumental part in saving it, and we were greatly impressed with your capability. Thank you for so willingly and competently giving us your support. Lou Sanson, Director General of Conservation Admiral Scott Swift, Commander of the Pacific Fleet, US Navy As security professionals it s impossible to put a price on the value of the relationship we have with New Zealand. Having TE KAHA as part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group was an excellent learning experience for both navies.

13 FORCE4NZ SPECIAL EDITION 13 NZDF in the public eye (Based on 1000 online interviews with New Zealanders aged 18 or over.) The survey shows the New Zealand public holds the NZDF in very high regard. 45% VERY FAVOURABLE 3% UNFAVOURABLE 33% 17% SOMEWHAT FAVOURABLE NEUTRAL WHAT THE PUBLIC SAID: They protect our borders They do a great job Highly trained and skilled They risk their lives Involved in humanitarian aid WHAT DOES THE PUBLIC THINK OUR JOB IS? WHY ARE PEOPLE NEUTRAL ABOUT NZDF? Protecting New Zealand s borders / sovereignty 66% response? I don t know enough about them 25% response Call to Action: The survey tells us that the more New Zealanders know about the different activities and missions of the NZDF, the more likely they are to be positive about the NZDF.

14 14 FORCE4NZ SPECIAL EDITION Better Support Respect, Finances Find your voice and use it It s a topic that has challenged militaries the world over. How to create and maintain an inclusive, diverse organisation that allows talent to flourish. The benefits don t need spelling out and everyone who has attended a sexual ethics workshop is aware of some of the things preventing it becoming a reality. But more than a year after the launch of Op Respect there are very real signs of momentum at all levels of NZDF. Don t take the word of Headquarters for it: here s Melanie Calvesbert, formerly of the Sexual Abuse Foundation, who now works for NZDF as a sexual assault prevention and response adviser: A win this year is people feeling empowered to speak out under the culture of Op Respect. In the past people have said they might have ignored something that s not ok. And in talking about and pointing out what s not okay you shine a light, and shame, on the issue, she says, rather than keeping it in the dark. People have been surprised at the extent of the issue. I ve met people, who, now they know, want to be part of the solution. That culture is developing at command level and to me that s very positive. The key is to draw on the NZDF s core values, of courage, commitment and comradeship, she says, so no one is dealing with the issue on their own: I don t just mean the individual who has been harmed, but anyone in the NZDF. And that s where the core values are so important. That individual support for Op Respect is also seen in the support across NZDF for the White Ribbon campaign this year. And this year the NZDF has achieved accreditation as a White Ribbon Organisation, led by CDF who remains a White Ribbon ambassador. As a White ribbon ambassador I continue to be proud of the efforts made by our people to raise awareness of the White Ribbon cause. I m committed to our organisation showing leadership not just within our own ranks but in the wider community too, said CDF, Lieutenant General Tim Keating. Your future is his goal Raise our boys Mark Williamson s dedication to the financial betterment of NZDF service personnel and civilians has earned him the NZDF Civilian of the Year award. Mr Williamson, the NZDF Benefits Manager, develops and manages the Defence Force s benefits strategy, policies and schemes. This includes the Defence Force Financial Hub initiatives such as superannuation, and members life and income protection insurance. What a success that has been, with over 3850 members and $75 million invested, now growing by 30 to 40 members a week and $500,000 a week, said Mr Williamson. He said it was very humbling to receive the award. Many people have worked with me on this journey, and it wouldn t have been possible without them. He said every Friday he gets the figures of membership for the Force Financial Hub and the amounts being saved. For the young ones coming through the Defence Force, this is part of their career. This is for their families. It carries on when they leave, it s not just while they are in service with us. I feel very proud in having made their lives a bit simpler, especially with the financial challenges these days. This year s campaign by White Ribbon, which aims to stop men s violence against women, is called Raise Our Boys. It focuses on ensuring fathers have the skills and confidence to talk with their sons about respectful relationships and respectful sexual relationships. The New Zealand Defence Force provides practical support to White Ribbon initiatives, including supporting local activities and events with personnel, participating in distribution of White Ribbons and violence prevention messages.

15 FORCE4NZ SPECIAL EDITION 15 Better Support Finances, Respect Throughout our lives we face many challenges and choices. Sometimes we may feel challenged to take a stand on our beliefs or values and to speak out. Courage requires action don t be the silent witness, find your voice and use it. W/O Neil Millett It will take all of us, doing small things on a daily basis to promote healthy relationships. That way we will make a real and lasting change in NZ. CPL Portia Havill if you feel unsafe If it is an emergency, call NZ Police on 111 You can contact a SAPRA [Sexual Assault and Prevention Advisor]on Vitae for Civilians (their first I three did this questions because when I enjoy someone the phones are around personal safety of caller and discussion and I wanted to know I violence screen) could contribute to an environment in NZDF Social Workers (via camp and base which people can thrive in. phone book information) LAC Troy Davis 0800 NZDF 4 U You have the courage to be under hostile fire? Then have the courage to stand up for what s right! F/S Chads Chadwick The courage to step up to be a Military Champion comes from knowing that every small positive interaction accumulates, just as negative interactions have a negative effect. I saw this as an opportunity to stand up for my values and testify, that how we treat others does matter and has the power to change our community. Who wouldn t want to be a part of that? F/S Sam Marra $75 million for families Better Support by 2020 meant making NZDF personnel more financially capable. In October 2015 NZDF introduced the Force Financial Hub and the NZDF Savings Schemes, with incentive payments to NZDF members who contribute to the NZDF Kiwisaver scheme. This year marked the second birthday of the scheme. To join the NZDF KiwiSaver Scheme or NZDF FlexiSaver Scheme, complete the online application forms. Google Force Financial Hub and go to the Join the NZDF Savings Schemes page. in two years: the schemes have grown from zero to 3644 members and $68.59m invested (when combined with the DFSS, funds invested total $417.4m). the Force Financial Hub web page has been revamped a total of $94,250 has been issued in prezzy cards to members of the three NZDF schemes $250 and two $1,000 prezzy cards the schemes have delivered solid returns 1333 $1,000 (gross) incentive payments have been made to the members of the NZDF KiwiSaver Scheme Milestone Direct Ltd has been engaged to provide financial advisory and mortgage broker services to members of the Defence community the MIBP staff insurance programme has been updated and additional cover provided to 596 members under MIBP Tiers 2 or 3. CDF has now approved extension of the MIBP to former members (they pay, at NZDF discounted rates). the NZDF financial capability programme has been launched in all camps and bases

16 16 FORCE4NZ SPECIAL EDITION As I return from Exercise SOUTHERN KATIPO 17, I reflect on how well we led a joint, multi-national Task Force in the South Island. In 2015 we launched our 2020 Ready vision, and the goal of enhanced combat capability. To get there we said we needed to be focused on acquiring Better Tools; creating Better Support; being Better Informed; and delivering Better Together. So it is through the lens of New Zealand s largest military exercise, and in the company of our partners and friends, that we really see our progress in delivering this vision. SK17 has tested us sternly and holds a spotlight also upon what still needs to be achieved on our journey. But that s in no small part why we do exercises. So we must remain committed to our 2020 priorities. In this publication we outline what s been delivered as at roughly half way to We show how we have begun to use our new capabilities and resources, upskilling as we bring them on line. With Better Tools, we become Better Together with our partners. We become proficient in sharing our growing skills to deliver great outcomes for New Zealanders, as shown on our Partnership stories on page 12. SK17 has also showcased another aspect of being Better Together, that s our relationship with our public (page 13). Local volunteers stepped forward to offer themselves as role players in the exercise, and I have heard considerable positive feedback from the public on their experience working with us. All of this grows from delivery of our first strategic milestone, creating the Joint Task Force in 2015 (page 4), and the public witnessing our work in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, in places like Vanuatu, Fiji and especially Kaikoura last year. But SK17 is also of course about our primary role: being ready to perform in combat. Everything we do permeates down from this imperative. So SK17 builds our confidence that we are prepared and ready to act against those who work against the rulesbased order around the globe. New Zealand does not hold itself remote from the world. We play our part in enhancing conflict prevention, and we stand ready to deter those who would take advantage of our resources. Excellence in this, our primary role, means we can be excellent in the variety of tasks the government calls on us to do even when securing the freedom of a juvenile orca from a South Island beach. Together, with Better Tools, Support and Information, we will respond to any challenge. We are great partners and we are great at what we do. Thank you for your hard work to date on our journey to Be aware that 2020 and enhanced combat capabilities aren t a final destination though. It is itself just the next step on a continual journey to be the best Defence Force we can be. In the New Year we ll start telling you about our 2025 goal, and how we will build further on the gains of 2020 to be an integrated force. Lieutenant General Tim Keating Chief of Defence Force