Defence Chiefs Dinner

May I begin by greeting everyone in the languages of the realm of New Zealand, in English, Māori, Cook Island Māori, Niuean, Tokelauan and New Zealand Sign Language.

Greetings, Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni and as it is the evening (Sign). 

May I specifically greet you: Hon Dr Wayne Mapp, Minister of Defence, and your wife Denese; Lt General Jerry Mateparae, Chief of the Defence Force, and your wife Janine, and your deputy Rear Admiral Jack Steer and your wife Sally; Rear Admiral Tony Parr, Chief of Navy, and your wife Carole; Major-General Rhys Jones, Chief of Army, and your wife Debbie; Air Vice Marshal Graeme Lintott, Chief of Air Force and your wife Dianne; Air Vice Marshal Peter Stockwell, Commander Joint Forces, and your wife Alison.

Thank you for accepting the invitation to join my wife Susan and I here for dinner at Government House Vogel.

Before we dine, I would like to make a few remarks about the role of Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief.

As someone with some passing knowledge of the architecture of upper levels of government, I had been aware of the Governor-General’s full title in the Letters Patent was that of “Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief in and over the Realm of New Zealand.”   I had never, however, been entirely sure about the “over” business, except to think that may be where the Air Force may be expected to come in!

As someone who has not had any military background other than as a secondary school military cadet for three years in 1959 to 1961, my role as Commander-in-Chief was something of a mystery.   Indeed, New Zealand has not had a Governor-General with any substantial military background since Hon Sir David Beattie completed his term 25 years ago. 

Law Commissioner and constitutional law expert, Alison Quentin-Baxter—shortly to be Dame Alison—who played a key role in the 1980s review of the Letters Patent that constitute the Office of Governor-General, described the title "Commander-in-Chief" as being "devoid of substantive effect" but that it remained because of what she called "the importance still attached in New Zealand, particularly within the Armed Services, to the naming of the Governor-General as Commander-in-Chief.”

A difference can be seen in the titles of my Canadian and Australian counterparts.  While the Canadian Governor-General, by virtue of the 1947 Letters Patent, is also titled "Commander-in-Chief", the Australian Governor-General is not.  While the Australian Constitution states at section 68 that "the command in chief of the naval and military forces of the Commonwealth is vested in the Governor-General as the Queen's representative" the updated Letters Patent issued last year, make no reference to the office holder being "Commander-in-Chief".  The current title of the Australian Governor-General is simply just that—"Governor-General".

The New Zealand Governor-General's relationship with the Defence Force is largely ceremonial. This is because of the constitutional convention the Governor-General, with the rarest of exceptions, always acts on the advice of democratically elected ministers.  Certainly times have changed in our country New Zealand since those of Governor Sir George Grey. In 1865, frustrated with the conduct of the war in South Taranaki by Imperial troops, Grey entered the field of battle himself, leading a group that captured a Pa named Weraroa.  Indeed, history records that the last time a British monarch undertook personal command of the army was 217 years ago in 1792!   It will perhaps be a relief for you to hear that I have no intention of interfering with that tradition!

The historic links between the Office of Governor-General and the Defence Force are emphasised by the Defence Act 1990.  While the Act recognises at the outset the Governor-General’s role, it also makes it clear that authority over New Zealand’s armed forces is vested in the government and that responsibility over defence matters within the government rests with the Minister of Defence.  As the Act says the Minister of Defence "shall have the power of control of the New Zealand Defence Force, which shall be exercised through the Chief of Defence Force". 

Of course, the Minister does not act in isolation, but with the support of two key advisers. The Secretary of Defence, who heads the Ministry of Defence, is responsible for policy and advice on funding defence activities while the Chief of the Defence Force, who is the both commander and chief executive of the NZ Defence Force, is the government’s principal military adviser on defence matters.

Put simply, the Ministry advises, the Minister decides, and the Defence Force implements.  That is a very simple view because in reality the military and civilian advisory roles are complementary, with considerable overlap on defence, security, and capability issues.

This kaupapa is deeply rooted in history.  The principle that the Royal prerogative regarding defence was subject to parliamentary control was established after Parliamentary forces won the English Civil Wars.  The 1688 Bill of Rights emphatically states that the: "raising or keeping a standing army within the kingdom, in time of peace, unless it be with consent of Parliament, is against Law."  The two-part command "present arms" is not only a sign of respect but also symbolises the submission of military authority to civil control.

Being Commander-in-Chief is one aspect of the role that has everyday ramifications.  As you will know, on the advice of the Minister of Defence, I sign commissions for Defence Force officers. I have participated in the Navy Reviews, Beating Retreat ceremonies, Air Force parades and as the Reviewing Officer for the graduating class of the commissioning course from a New Zealand Army Officer Cadet School.  My wife Susan has the privilege of being sponsor of one of the Navy’s new inshore patrol craft, HMNZS Taupō, and was present for its inaugurating ceremony in Whangarei. 

The New Zealand Defence Force also plays a key role in State Welcomes for visiting Heads of State and at the ceremonies where foreign envoys present their credentials. We have also had significant contact with the Defence Force at ANZAC and Armistice Day commemorations and it has been a pleasure to meet a great many of the men and women who are technically under Governor-General command.

As Governor-General, I am keenly aware of the service the New Zealand Defence Force provides to our nation and to wider international stability through contribution to United Nations peacekeeping missions.  It has been an honour, for example, to invest several members of the Defence Force with New Zealand Honours for their outstanding work, often in dangerous and life-threatening circumstances.

In conclusion, as the heads of your respective branches of the wider defence force, as your Commander-in-Chief, I wish to thank you and the men and women under command for their service to our nation.  I trust you will enjoy the hospitality of Government House Vogel this evening.
And on that note, I will close in our country’s first language offering everyone greetings and wishing you all good health and fortitude in your endeavours. No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.