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An independent expert panel has been appointed to review the provision of defence science and technology support in New Zealand, Defence Minister Wayne Mapp announced today.

“Expert advice on scientific and technological issues in defence is essential for the Defence Force to perform the tasks expected of it,” Dr Mapp said.

“The Defence White Paper identified the need for a comprehensive external review of the Defence Technology Agency and the provision of defence science and technology outcomes for New Zealand.

North Shore MP Wayne Mapp has announced his decision not to stand for Parliament in the 2011 election.

“I have been privileged to serve as the Member for North Shore since 1996, and more recently, to serve in the Cabinet under Prime Minister John Key.

“I am leaving for personal and family reasons. I will have been a Member of Parliament for 15 years and have always endeavoured to be an effective Member for the North Shore electorate.

Auckland apparel company Pacific Brands Holdings (NZ) Ltd has won a new five-year contract to supply clothing and personnel support items to the New Zealand Defence Force.

“This is the best possible value for money for the Defence Force and the taxpayer,” Defence Minister Wayne Mapp said, announcing the selection of the company, which trades as Yakka Apparel Solutions (YASL).

“Ensuring Defence Force people have the right equipment to get the job done wherever they are is a top priority.

Defence Minister Wayne Mapp has expressed the Government’s deepest condolences to the family of the New Zealander killed in Afghanistan while serving in the British Army.

“It takes great courage to serve in Afghanistan. Every service person, whether in the New Zealand Defence Force or a similar service such as the British, knows they risk death or injury. They do so because they wish to serve their country and to protect us from terrorism.

Chief of Army Major General Rhys Jones has been appointed the new Chief of Defence Force. He will be promoted to Lieutenant General and take over from Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae on 24 January next year.

“Major General Jones is an experienced and highly-respected officer. He has played a key role in developing the Defence White Paper, which will be implemented during his term.

The Defence White Paper launched by the Prime Minister today sets out the Government's plan for a modern Defence Force to meet our security needs for the next 25 years, Defence Minister Wayne Mapp

1.            What is the Defence White Paper?

The New Zealand Defence Service Medal announced by the Prime Minister today closes a long-standing gap in medallic recognition of military service, Defence Minister Wayne Mapp says.

ASEAN + 8 nations meet in Hanoi

Defence Minister Wayne Mapp is on his way to Hanoi for the inaugural ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM+8) in Hanoi this week.

Defence Minister Wayne Mapp has praised the work of the Defence Force after the Canterbury earthquake.

Defence Minister Wayne Mapp will represent New Zealand in London on Wednesday at the unveiling of a statue of Air Chief Marshal Sir Keith Park, the New Zealander who led the Royal Air Force to vict

The Government and L3 Communications have reached agreement on completing the Air Force's C130 Hercules aircraft Life Extension Programme, Defence Minister Wayne Mapp announced today.

Defence Minister Wayne Mapp has extended warm congratulations to Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae on his appointment as Director of the Government Communications Security B

Defence Minister Wayne Mapp and Associate Minister of Defence Heather Roy today expressed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Government to the family and friends of New Zealand Army Lieutenant

Nine Defence Force staff are to undertake an eight-month deployment to Uruzgan province in Afghanistan, Defence Minister Wayne Mapp announced today.

An Auditor-General's report tabled in Parliament today provides an opportunity to substantially improve the culture and management of the New Zealand Defence Force, Defence Minister Wayne Mapp says

Associate Minister of Defence Heather Roy today completes her visit to the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) troops on deployment in Timor-Leste, returning to New Zealand this weekend with a deeper

Defence Minister Wayne Mapp held a formal bilateral meeting with new British Secretary of State for Defence Liam Fox at the Ministry of Defence in London late last week. 

Associate Minister of Defence Heather Roy today publicly released the summary of submissions received by the Ministry of Defence during the public consultation phase of the Government's Defence Rev

Associate Minister of Defence Heather Roy will tomorrow hold a press conference on the bridge of HMNZS Wellington to release the summary of submissions received during the public consultation phase

Defence and Research, Science and Technology Minister Wayne Mapp is on his way to Singapore and Europe today for a series of international meetings in both portfolios.

Budget 2010 provides an extra $35 million a year to fund increased costs and new equipment for the New Zealand Defence Force.

The improved security environment in Timor-Leste means New Zealand can cut back the size of its military deployment there, Defence Minister Wayne Mapp said today.