It provides a framework for future decisions about military capabilities, resources and funding. The Government's approach to defence has been substantially guided by, and builds on, the Defence Beyond 2000 Report , which was released last year by Parliament's Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Select Committee. The select committee process provided opportunity for wide public involvement and debate on defence issues and priorities. The resulting report gained considerable public and parliamentary support. The Government believes that it provides a sensible foundation for building a lasting, long-term consensus on defence.
Defence is one aspect of New Zealand's foreign and security policy.
Defence policy and foreign policy are a partnership aimed at securing New Zealand's physical, economic, social and cultural well being, and meeting our regional and global responsibilities. The Government will work to promote a comprehensive approach to security. New Zealand's primary defence interests are protecting New Zealand's territorial sovereignty, meeting shared alliance commitments to Australia and fulfilling obligations and responsibilities in the South Pacific. The wider Asia-Pacific strategic environment, of which we are a part, is also relevant. New Zealand is not directly threatened by any other country and is not likely to be involved in widespread armed conflict.