Hon Ron Mark
Minister of Defence
11 July 2019 Media Statement
Minister of Defence Ron Mark has today released the Terms of Reference for a review of the Defence estate footprint.
“The 81,000 hectare Defence estate is at a crossroads; much of it is run down, and outdated,” says Ron Mark. “It needs
to be improved in order to gain, train and retain our service people, now and into the future.
“We need to be smart with our investment into the estate. So it makes sense for us to take stock of what we have, and
look at what we will need in the year 2070. This is particularly important with the new capabilities identified in the
Defence Capability Plan 2019, due to come online in the next decade.
“To put it in perspective, NZDF is responsible for the third largest area of Crown Land and manages 58 sites, including
nine camps and bases, across the country. With the changing demands and priorities on the Defence Force here and
overseas I need to know what our footprint should look like in 2070, so we can begin to plan a way to get there.
“While it is important we undertake a long-term strategic review of the estate, it is also essential to keep investing
in what we have so we don’t fall even further behind.
“This is why the Government has also approved a revamped regeneration plan. This Government is committed to improving
the Defence estate and has agreed to an increase in the indicative funding required from $1.7 billion to $2.1 billion to
2030. This funding is part of the overall $20b investment identified in the Defence Capability Plan released in June.
“The review, plan and continued investment in the Defence estate will result in better working, training and living
conditions for all personnel. The welfare of our Defence Force personnel is a priority for me. We need acceptable
facilities in order to support and retain them.
“This planned funding allows the New Zealand Defence Force to continue on with the upgrade of the Defence Estate, while
the review will provide them with surety that they will have a fit for purpose footprint to serve them well for the next
fifty years,” says Ron Mark.
The First Principles Review of the Defence Estate Footprint is due to be completed by 30 September 2020.
A Joint Ministerial Group will oversee the review it is led by the Minister of Defence and includes the Minister of
Finance, Minister of Regional Economic Development, Minister for Infrastructure and the Minister for Housing and the
Minister for Urban Development.
ends