The Government's Defence Policy Framework document issued in June 2000 indicates its support for the implementation of the Defence Long-Term Development Plan (LTDP).

Government guidance to New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), with regard to our nation's greatest defence needs have been identified as:

An upgrade of Army mobility, communications, intelligence, reconnaissance, surveillance, and fire-support capabilities.

The ability to provide effective air and naval transport capabilities.

Maintenance of effective maritime surveillance capabilities of the Air Force and Navy within New Zealand EEZ and EEZ's of Pacific Island States.

The Government has also outlined seven important factors for reshaping the NZDF:

• NZDF must be equipped and trained for combat and peacekeeping.  In order to fulfil the key tasks the Government envisages for the NZDF, it must be appropriately equipped and trained for both combat and peace support operations. 
• NZDF must be deployable. Being able to bring forces to bear when they are most needed is dependent on deployability.  This is of particular concern to New Zealand.  To be able to deploy within specified response times and sustain our forces, particularly over large distance, requires a flexible and adaptable mix of air and sealift capabilities.
• NZDF must be able to operate along other forces. Exercising bilaterally with Australia and multilaterally through the Five Power Defence Agreement (FPDA) and other coalitions builds up the NZDF's interoperability
• NZDF must be held at appropriate levels of readiness. It is a false economy not to have the NZDF equipped and trained at appropriate levels of readiness.
• NZDF must be sustainable.  Deployments may be for long periods and involve rotation of personnel and equipment. NZDF resources will be managed to ensure that commitments can be sustained.
• NZDF must be up-to-date in technology and doctrine.  It is essential that the NZDF keep abreast of technological, doctrinal and other changes in military operations in order to retain operational effectiveness.  The costs these developments pose are a considerable challenge for small countries like New Zealand.  The Government believes that a programme of progressively introducing new technology can help meet this challenge, but consideration will also need to be given to retaining a lesser range of capabilities.
• NZDF must be fiscally sustainable. The Government wants to ensure that our defence dollars are spent wisely.  We will focus our rebuilding efforts in areas of most urgent need.