9. H V ROSS ROBERTSON (Labour—Manukau East) Link to this
to the Minister of Defence
What reports has he received on the effectiveness and professionalism of New Zealand Defence Force personnel deployed overseas?
Hon PHIL GOFF (Minister of Defence) Link to this
I have recently received two reports. One was received via the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Don McKinnon, and it was from the former commander of the combined joint forces in Afghanistan, General Carl Eichenberry. He stated: “New Zealand forces in that theatre were professionally of the highest order, and one of the best group contingents to deal with. The New Zealand Special Air Service were as good as any similar force …” he had known. The second report was from a letter from the British Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup. He was noting the end of our joint deployment in Bosnia, and remarked: “New Zealand military personnel have a formidable reputation, and in Bosnia they have only added to it. Their humane, professional, yet low-key demeanour has made them a respected asset to the various multi-national forces that have operated within Bosnia.” I think those are reports that not only the New Zealand Defence Force but every member of this House can rightly be proud of.
H V Ross Robertson Link to this
Can the Minister share with the House other formal acknowledgments that he has received from Governments of exemplary performance by New Zealand Defence Force personnel?
Yesterday I had the privilege to present to the 1st New Zealand Special Air Service group a US Presidential unit citation, which read: “For extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty.” This, as a United States defence attaché stated yesterday, is an award seldom given in the United States, and even more rarely given to non - American service personnel. It reflects the exemplary behaviour and conduct of the New Zealand Special Air Service in the dangerous and difficult environment they faced in Afghanistan in December 2001. The New Zealand Special Air Service is a group that I have the utmost confidence will, when given a task to perform, carry it out with courage and skill, and deliver what has been asked of it. Again, it is a very special unit that all New Zealanders have the right to be proud of.
Ron MarkCan the Minister confirm to the House the high level of regard the New Zealand Defence Force is held in by the Government of Afghanistan, the Governor of the Bamian province, and, significantly, the senior officers of the international security force in Afghanistan, as a result of the work that has been done by not only the New Zealand Special Air Service but also the men and women who have served in the provincial reconstruction team—regard that is exemplified, I think, by the comments made to Mr Goff and me by the commander of the 82nd Airborne battalion whilst we were in Afghanistan on Anzac Day?
I can confirm what the member has said. I had the opportunity in Afghanistan to talk to the President, the Vice-President, the Minister of Defence, and two other Ministers. All of them came back with the same comment, which was how much they appreciated that New Zealand Defence Force personnel had come so far to assist in the stability and development of their country. In fact, President Karzai said that it gave his people great confidence that New Zealanders had come from so far away to help them achieve peace and stability. I also had comments from the 4-star general in charge of the International Security Assistance Force, and the United Nations Secretary-General’s special representative. Both of those individuals described our provincial reconstruction team in Bamian as a model team, and a model for other countries to follow. Again, I think that what we have achieved in that country has been absolutely superb.
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. Through you, Madam Speaker, I would like to put on the record New Zealand First’s disgust at the heckling by the National Party members, like Sandra Goudie, during what we considered to be a very good report back by the Minister of the work done by our men and women in the New Zealand Defence Force.
Madam SPEAKER
Gerry BrownleeI raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. This is just to acknowledge to the House that we picked up from that questioning that Mr Mark is clearly a very important person in the defence arrangements of the Government, and we would not oppose leave should he choose to put his travel slides on the Table for us to view at a later time.
I seek the leave of the House to table two letters, one from the Commonwealth Secretary-General, and the second from the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, which I referred to in answering the primary question.
Hon Trevor Mallard Link to this
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. I just want to make sure that, even though you dismissed Mr Brownlee’s point of order, his comments will be recorded in Hansard. I think it is very important that service people see them.
I am very happy to have the entire exchange put into Hansard—and, naturally, it will be, so the member is not getting anything he would not have got, anyway. But I think it is absolutely disgraceful that a member of Parliament stands up—
Would the member please be seated. I am on my feet. [ Interruption] Would the member please leave the Chamber. I am sorry, but I was on my feet for quite some time and the member just kept on ignoring me and talking. It was not a point of order. Of course the comments will go in . They are the normal rules.