Conclusion

In conclusion, New Zealand is remote in a geographical sense yet faces many of the same maritime risks and threats that confront other less isolated maritime nations. Notwithstanding, there is a perception in the general public that New Zealand is ‘safe’ from external threats.

New Zealand has always been resource constrained but is currently experiencing greater challenges as a result of the global financial crisis and the financial burden of rebuilding Christchurch.

What we have learnt is that only through interagency coordination can the best results occur, especially when constrained by tight financial circumstances. The benefits are immense, the outcomes obvious and tangible.

State sector reforms are driving government agencies to implement smarter ways of doing business including greater cooperation between agencies to make more effective and efficient use of taxpayer funds.

Finally, the security sector has a good track record of adopting wholeof-government approaches and benefiting from working in multi-agency frameworks, but there is still more that can be done to improve performance and achieve desired security outcomes.