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MINISTER OF DEFENCE TRAVEL TO
MUNICH, GERMANY
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Briefing Document
11-14 February 2026.
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Formal Message: Munich Security Conference 2025: Minister of Defence Leads New
Zealand’s Participation ____________________________________________________ 78
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TAB ONE: KEY ATTENDEES
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TAB TWO: HOT TOPICS
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Hot Topics: Key Messaging
Venezuela
• New Zealand is concerned by and actively monitoring developments in Venezuela.
• New Zealand expects all parties to comply with international law and supports diplomatic 1982
efforts to reach solutions to complex cross border issues.
• New Zealand stands with the Venezuelan people in their pursuit of a fair, democratic and
prosperous future.
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• New Zealand supports efforts to achieve a negotiated return to democracy in Venezuela, as
the only solution that ensures that the wil of the Venezuelan people is respected.
Greenland
• New Zealand is closely monitoring developments in Greenland. We agree that Greenland
belongs to its people and that it is for Greenland and Denmark to determine the territory’s
future.
• New Zealand expects the US to fully comply with its international obligations, including under
the UN Charter. Respect for the UN Charter principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and
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the prohibition on the use of force is essential to avoid a return to a world where the exercise
of hard power reigns supreme. This has underlined our support for Ukraine.
• As a strong supporter of a free, open, and rules-based trading system, New Zealand
disagreed with the US proposal to impose tariffs.
•
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Ukraine
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• New Zealand remains fully committed to supporting Ukraine’s self-defence and territorial
integrity. We support a just and lasting peace settlement for Ukraine that does not
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legitimise territorial changes achieved by force.
• On 4 December, New Zealand announced a NZ$15 mil ion contribution to NATO’s
Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative. New Zealand is proud to be,
alongside Australia, one of the first non-NATO contributors to the PURL.
• I am interested in your perspectives on the trajectory of the war, the US-led peace process,
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and what is required to compel Russia to end the war.
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• New Zealand has participated in military planning discussion to better understand what
functions or role coalition forces might play following any ceasefire or peace settlement.
We welcome the recent Paris Declaration and the progress that is being made in
negotiating an end to the war in Ukraine.
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• New Zealand is deeply concerned at the ‘shadow fleet’ being used to evade sanctions on
Russia and its supporters. Evasion tactics are complex and global in reach.
• In 2024, together with Australia and more than 40 other countries, New Zealand endorsed
the Call to Action on the Shadow Fleet, led by the UK, noting our concern about the rise in
'shadow fleet activity' and its risks to the environment, maritime safety, international trade
and security, and maritime law.
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• New Zealand has sanctioned over 100 shadow fleet vessels to date and wil continue to do
so.
Indo Pacific
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• The NZDF has increased its tempo of engagement in the Indo-Pacific, in both the maritime
and air domains.
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• We recently completed our 2025 Indo-Pacific deployment, which included our auxiliary
replenishment vessel, HMNZS AOTEAROA, and a P-8A maritime surveil ance aircraft, and
was timed around our support for the Pacific Security Maritime Exchange (PSMX)
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South Pacific
• As small states, the Pacific region’s security is strengthened by a strong international rules-
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based order, protecting not only territorial integrity but also providing protections for Pacific
resources and helping the region to address complex challenges such as climate change.
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[If raised: Protests in Iran]
• New Zealand is appalled by the escalation of violence and repression in Iran. The Foreign
Minister has condemned the actions of Iran’s security forces, including the kil ing of
protesters.
• Iranians have the right to peaceful protest, freedom of expression and access to
information. It is our long-held view that these are fundamental human rights.
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• New Zealand is deeply concerned by the ongoing tensions in the region, and the potential
for resumption of military action. We are closely monitoring the situation and want to see
all parties exercise restraint and abide by international law.
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TAB THREE: EVENT BRIEFS
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Event: Panel Discussion – ‘Double Trouble? Europe, Indo-Pacific, and Connected Security
Challenges’
Saturday, 14 February
16:20 – 17:15
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Main Hall II, Bayerischer Hof
Other speakers
• Australia Deputy Prime Minister/Defence Minister, Richard Marles
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• Japan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Toshimitsu Motegi
• US Under Secretary of War for Policy, Elbridge Colby
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Moderator
• Ravi Agrawal, Editor-in-Chief of Foreign Policy
Programme
You are participating in a panel discussion with other leaders from the Indo-Pacific and Europe
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on the interconnectedness of security spheres.
The event is scheduled for 55 minutes.
16:10 Arrive at venue, technical briefing with panel organisers and microphone fit ing
16:20 Panel commences with introductory remarks and a facilitated conversation by the
moderator
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16:45 Interactive Q&A with the audience
17:15 Panel concludes.
Meeting logistics
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Officials wil accompany you to/from the event.
Format of the discussion
This panel discussion is intended to be discursive and focus on the below framing questions.
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See separate briefing for scripted talking points to assist in answering the below questions.
Framing questions
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• How can European countries best support Indo-Pacific actors, especially regarding threats
to sovereignty and maritime security? Conversely, what further assistance could Indo-Pacific
countries offer European partners when it comes to support for Ukraine and defence
capabilities?
• How is cooperation in the framework of NATO and the IP4 countries developing? How are
other plurilateral engagements on issues like resilience and economic security progressing?
Biographies
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Moderator: Ravi Agrawal: Editor-in-Chief: Foreign Policy
Ravi Agrawal is the editor in chief of Foreign Policy. He is also the host of
FP Live, the magazine's video channel and podcast, on which he regularly
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interviews world leaders and policymakers. Before joining FP in 2018,
Agrawal worked at CNN for more than a decade. Agrawal is the author
of
India Connected: How the Smartphone Is Transforming the World’s
Largest Democracy. He is a graduate of Harvard University.
Panellist: Deputy Minister/Defence Minister, Richard Marles s9(2)(g)(i)
The Hon. Richard Charles is a senior member of the Labor party and was
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appointed Minister of Defence in June 2022.
His previous roles include Deputy Leader of the Opposition, as well as
Shadow Minister for Defence; Immigration and Border Protection; and
Trade. Born in 1967, he was raised and educated in Geelong before
undertaking studies in Law and Science at the University of Melbourne,
where he earned a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of
Science.
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Panellist: Japan Foreign Minister, Toshimitsu Motegi s9(2)(g)(i)
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Toshimitsu Motegi was appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs for the second
time in October 2025. He was first elected to the House of Representatives
in 1999. Previous ministerial roles include Minister of Economy, Trade and
Industry (2012-2014), Minister for Economic Revitalisation (2017-2019) and
Minister for Foreign Affairs (2019-2021).
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Motegi led Japan’s trade negotiation with the US during the first Trump
administration.
Panellist: US Under Secretary of War for Policy, Elbridge Colby s9(2)(g)(i)
Elbridge A. Colby serves as the Under Secretary of War for Policy. In this
role, he is the principal advisor to the Secretary of War on matters of
defence and foreign policy. His duties include leading the development
and overseeing implementation of the National Defense Strategy. He is
responsible as well for a number of associated strategies and reviews
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Event: Official Opening of the Munich Security Conference
Friday, 14 February
13:00-14:00
Main Hall I, Bayerischer Hof Hotel
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Programme
The opening ceremony is scheduled for 60 minutes.
13:00 Arrive at venue in Main Hall I
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13:30 Opening ceremony begins
13:40 Conference wil be opened officially
14:00 Opening ceremony concludes
Meeting logistics
Officials wil accompany you to/from the hall entrance, where you wil be escorted to designated
seating for Ministers of Defence.
Attendees
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Heads of Delegation already in Munich are expected to attend, including President Frank-Walter
Steinmeier, who is the host of this event.
Host: Germany President Frank-Walter Steinmeier
Frank-Walter Steinmeier has served as President of Germany since 2017, as a
member of the Social Democrats Party.
He was previously federal minister for foreign affairs from 2005 to 2009 and again
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from 2013 to 2017, as well as vice chancellor of Germany from 2007 to 2009.
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Background
Further details wil be available when the MSC programme is published.
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Event: Munich Security Conference Women’s Breakfast
Saturday, 14 February
07:00-08:15
Residenz – Max-Joseph-Saal
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Programme
07:00: Arrive at venue (al ocated seating TBC)
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Overview of Event
The Women’s Breakfast is an integral part of the Munich Security Conference. The purpose of
this breakfast is to provide women engaged in foreign and security policy with a unique
networking opportunity. This year sees the 14th anniversary of this traditional event, and you
attended the Women’s Breakfast at MSC in 2025.
In order to encourage inclusive and open dialogue, the event wil observe Chatham House rules,
i.e. participants are free to use the information received, but are asked not to directly accredit
information or conversation to individual speakers.
Meeting logistics
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Officials will accompany you to/from the venue entrance.
Chatham House rules.
Attendees
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Female Heads of Delegation are expected to attend.
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Background
The Women’s Breakfast is jointly hosted by the Munich Security Conference and the Bavarian
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State Chancellery. Its purpose is to provide women engaged in foreign and security policy with
a unique networking opportunity at the Munich Security Conference. This year sees the 14th
anniversary of this event.
You attended the Women’s Breakfast at MSC in 2025.
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TAB FOUR: BILATERAL BRIEFS
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Strategic Commitments and Engagements, New Zealand Defence Force
Europe Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
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Bilateral Germany: Boris Pistorius, Minister of Defence s9(2)(g)(i)
Biography
Boris Pistorius, a Social Democratic Party member, has served as
Germany’s Federal Defence Minister since January 2023. Previously, he
was Lower Saxony’s Interior and Sport Minister (2013–2023), focusing on 1982
police reform, internal security, and countering extremism. From 2006–
2013, he was Lord Mayor of Osnabrück. A law graduate from Osnabrück
and Münster, Pistorius completed compulsory military service in 1980–81.
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Key Messages
• I welcome Germany’s commitment as an important and long-standing defence partner for
New Zealand to support peace and security in an increasingly challenging strategic context.
Ukraine • New Zealand remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine’s self-defence, sovereignty, and
territorial integrity. To that end, we maintain a deployment of up to 100 personnel in Europe,
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working with partners across training support, staff augmentation, and command and liaison
roles under a flexible mandate that al ows us to respond to Ukraine’s evolving needs.
•
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the NATO Security Assistance Training - Ukraine (NSATU)
initiative in Wiesbaden. New Zealand values its role as an operational partner to NATO as
part of NSATU. I also wish to highlight our $15 mil ion contribution to NATO’s Prioritised
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Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative. New Zealand is proud to be, alongside
Australia, the first non-NATO contributors to PURL.
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Indo Pacific • New Zealand welcomes Germany’s commitment to supporting peace and security in the
Indo Pacific region. We were pleased to welcome a German Luftwaffe (Air Force) A400M
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deployment to New Zealand to undertake joint training with the RNZAF last year.
•
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Military Information
Defence budget
€86 bil ion (2025) with a planned 25% increase to €108
bil ion (2026, 2.5% of GDP)
Military personnel
Active – 184,000; Reservists – 60,000
Deployments in common Combined Maritime Forces, Pacific Security Monitoring
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with New Zealand
Exchange
Common military platforms NH-90, P-8 Poseidon
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mainly through capability
synergies (P-8A Poseidon, NH90 helicopters and naval diving). New Zealand’s Defence Attaché
to Germany is based in London.
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Germany in the Indo-Pacific
3.
In 2020, Germany released its Policy Guidelines for the Indo-Pacific with the long-term
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objective of strengthening Germany’s presence in the region. Since then, Germany has
deployed major assets annually and participated in exercises such as RIMPAC, TALISMAN
SABRE, and PITCH BLACK. Germany is also a member of the Pacific Security Monitoring
Exchange nations that monitor the enforcement of UN sanctions on the Democratic People’s
Republic of Korea (the same grouping New Zealand works with under
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In each of the years following publication of the 2020 Policy Guidelines, Germany has
undertaken significant deployments to the Indo-Pacific region. Each has been anchored against
a major exercise: maritime deployments against RIMPAC, hosted by the US in Hawaii; land
forces deployments against Australia’s TALISMAN SABRE; and air deployments against PITCH
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BLACK, also hosted by Australia. These have presented opportunities for engagement with
NZDF.
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In November 2025, two German Luftwaffe (Air Force) A400Ms deployed to New Zealand
to undertake joint training with t
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range of key capabilities within the RNZAF that support combat operations, such as security
forces, rescue firefighters, aviation fuel specialists and air movements operators.
Support to Ukraine
6.
Germany is Europe’s largest financial contributor to Ukraine and second globally behind
the US, providing over €40B in military support and a further €40B in humanitarian and refugee
aid to date. In 2025, Germany increased its bilateral support to Ukraine by 35%, with €11.5B
proposed for 2026 (including artil ery, drones, armoured vehicles, and two Patriot systems).
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7.
Germany hosts NSATU, which New Zealand participates in as part of our support to
Ukraine’s self-defence under Operation TIEKE. In 2024, Germany hosted NZDF sapper training
for Ukrainian troops.
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Europe Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
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Arrangements is the primary defence link into South East Asia for both New Zealand and the
UK.
2.
New Zealand’s defence relationship with the UK is deep and broad. This is reflected in
the centrality of the UK to New Zealand’s support to Ukraine and our partnership in the Pacific
(e.g. the NZDF deploying on the UK Offshore Patrol Vessel HMS TAMAR).
Joint Statement on Enhanced Defence Cooperation
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3.
In September, you signed a new Joint Statement on Enhanced Defence Cooperation
between New Zealand and the United Kingdom, during your meeting with her UK counterpart,
Secretary of State for Defence John Healey. The new statement updates the NZ-UK Joint
Statement on Defence Cooperation signed in 2015.
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4.
The new Joint Statement includes three objectives that set the direction of the defence
relationship:
a) Cooperate to enhance security and stability, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
b) Enhance combined effectiveness in operations through interoperability.
c) Facilitate effective defence industrial and technology collaboration.
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Strategic Commitments and Engagements Branch, New Zealand Defence Force
Europe Division and International Security and Disarmament Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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At the time of writing, dates and agendas for the ANZMIN and Defence Ministers’
meetings are under consideration by Ministerial offices in Australia.
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Strategic Commitments and Engagements Branch, New Zealand Defence Force
Americas Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
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TAB FIVE: BACKGROUND BRIEFINGS
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Background: Munich Security Conference
Background
The Munich Security Conference (MSC) is an annual forum for debating international security
policy, held at the Bayerischer Hof hotel in Munich. It brings together 400+ heads of state or
government, ministers, personalities from international and non-governmental organisations, 1982
high-ranking representatives of industry, media, academia, and civil society to engage in
discussion on the world’s most pressing security concerns. Al formats are governed by the
Munich Rule calling for “maximum interaction between speakers and participants”. Act
2.
MSC provides a platform for multilateral and bilateral meetings, side events and relevant
foreign and security policy announcements. Since it was first held under a different name more
than 60 years ago, MSC has developed from an exclusively trans-Atlantic gathering to an event
featuring a much more global security outlook and audience. Personal attendance is by invitation
only, but the official programme is followed by media and livestreamed. The Conference
receives support from the German Government.
Munich Security Conference 2026
3.
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4. The Conference wil be opened by Germany’s Federal President Frank-Walter
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Steinmeier, who visited New Zealand in 2017. Conference Chairman Ambassador Wolfgang
Ischinger, former State Secretary of Germany’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, wil host and facilitate
the three-day programme.
5. MSC 2026 will officially start on Friday 13 February, with a focus on global security
challenges, including: European security and defence, the future of the transatlantic relationship,
the revitalisation of multilateralism, competing visions of the global order, regional conflicts, and
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the security implications of technological advances.
6. The MSC wil release its annual Munich Security Report on 9 February. The report
provides data and infographics on key contemporary security policy issues and acts as a
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scene‑setter for the Conference.
Attendance at the Munich Security Conference in 2026
7. Your attendance at MSC wil be a second for New Zealand at ministerial level, following
your first visit in 2025. DPMC’s National Assessments Bureau Director s9(2)(g)(i) will also
attend this year’s MSC and the relevant intelligence agencies’ track.
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8. The list of confirmed participants wil only be published on the first day of the Conference,
but the organisers expect this year the highest global coverage ever, with up to 150 countries
present. Leading German politicians are confirmed to attend, led by Chancellor Merz. A large
bi-partisan US delegation can also be expected again. 60 heads of state have confirmed their
attendance.
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Background: Ukraine
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New Zealand’s total support for Ukraine is valued at NZ$183 mil ion. Most recently, the Ministers
of Foreign Affairs and Defence announced on 4 December a NZ$15 mil ion contribution to
NATO’s PURL initiative to procure critical US weaponry and ammunition for Ukraine. This 1982
follows a further tranche of sanctions under the Russia Sanctions Act, targeting Russia’s oil
industry and shadow leet that was announced on 31 October.
New Zealand Defence Force support to Ukraine
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2.
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has had personnel deployed to Europe in
support of Ukraine for nearly four years under Operation TĪEKE. During this time NZDF
contributions have developed and matured as Ukraine’s needs have evolved.
3.
The deployments have been highly valued by Ukraine and likeminded partners. NZDF
personnel have been involved in a range of activities in support of Ukraine including delivering
training to members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), providing specialist intelligence
support to the UK, and holding key roles in multi-national organisations supporting Ukraine
such as the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine initiative (NSATU).
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4.
On 22 April 2025, the New Zealand Government announced an 18-month extension to
Operation TĪEKE: up to 100 NZDF personnel wil remain deployed to Europe from 1 July 2025
to 31 December 2026. These personnel wil deliver support across the continent across the
themes of training support; staff augmentation; and command, liaison, and support.
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Coalition of the Willing and the Ukraine peace process
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10.
Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy met at Mar-a-Lago on 28 December, with Trump
describing the meeting as “terrific” and that they were “getting a lot closer” to a peace deal.
However tangible progress was limited. Zelenskyy maintained the US-Ukrainian peace proposal
was “90 percent agreed” – the same level as before their meeting – while Trump cautioned that 1982
“thorny” issues remained, particularly around territorial questions in the Donbas region, which
he described as “unresolved”.
11.
On 6 January 2026, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Act
Emmanuel Macron hosted a leaders-level meeting of the Coalition of the Wil ing in Paris to
maintain momentum towards a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. Following the meeting,
France released the
Paris Declaration – Robust Security Guarantees for a Solid and Lasting
Peace in Ukraine.
12.
The Declaration outlines the agreed components of the Coalition’s post-conflict support
to Ukraine, including participation in a proposed US-led ceasefire monitoring and verification
mechanism; support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine; a Multinational Force for Ukraine
binding commitments to support Ukraine in the case of a future armed attack by Russia; and a
commitment to deepen long-term defence cooperation with Ukraine.
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Background: Indo-Pacific
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2.
Tensions between the Philippines and China remain high. China Coast Guard vessels
continue to act aggressively towards Philippines vessels in the South China Sea.
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Pacific Security Maritime Exchange (PSMX)
3.
The PSMX is a network of partner states that aims to disrupt North Korea’s evasion or
violation of UN Security Council maritime sanctions. These UN Security Council resolutions
include sanctions related to oil smuggling and ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs.
PSMX headquarters are based in Japan,
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PSMX members provide varying contributions, including assets and personnel. New
Zealand is a core contributor to the PSMX.
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Background Briefing: NZ Defence approach in the South Pacific Region
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Defence supports wider all of government efforts to strengthen Pacific resilience. This includes.
building the strength of regional defence institutions and their connections to other parts of the 1982
Pacific security architecture.
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Ensuring that the region is prepared to resolve its own regional security needs through
mechanisms like the Pacific Response Group and deployments of NZDF when requested to
support Pacific needs – including in non-traditional defence activities like logistics support,
HADR and fisheries.
3.
We are also taking opportunities to enhance and support Pacific leadership in the
defence space, to embed the sense of the Pacific helping the Pacific as the primary way in which
the region responds to security needs. As an example, we have had Fiji forces assist in HADR
events in New Zealand and we’ve utilised NZDF assets to transport Pacific forces for HADR
responses in other Pacific countries.
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4.
Promoting tactical interoperability and organisational alignment between Pacific forces.
This includes for example, developing leadership training models with and for Pacific defence
forces through the Pacific Leader Development Programme (PLDP). PLDP leadership
programmes merge New Zealand and local teachings and have touch points with New Zealand
at all levels, including Tier I leadership. In addition, the NZDF in partnership with MFAT has
funded and built Leadership Centres across the South Pacific. These leadership programmes
merge New Zealand and local teachings and have touch points with New Zealand across all
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levels of personnel.
5.
The NZDF also funds and administers the Mutual Assistance Programme (MAP) in the
Pacific, delivering training to individuals and teams, providing resources to support partner
the
nations, funding the provision of Technical Advisors and secondments, and responding to other
requests for assistance as required. The MAP is designed to build partner capacity, develop
NZDF capability, nurture people-to-people relationships, and enhance New Zealand’s reputation
across the Pacific.
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10.
New Zealand cannot de‑list HTS independently, as its designation is tied to the UN
Security Council listing. The issue remains stalled at the Security Council,
s6(a)
11.
Security tensions in southern Syria remain high,
s6(a)
and continued clashes involving Druze and Bedouin communities.
12.
Since early January 2026, in northern Syria, Syrian Interim Authority forces have pushed
the SDF from significant territory. Kurdish forces previously oversaw around 8,000 ISIS
1982
detainees, and the conflict has resulted in key facilities transferring to Interim Authority control.
Some detainees escaped during the fighting, though most were recaptured, with an estimated
100 stil at large. International concern is rising that instability could enable an ISIS resurgence.
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s6(a), s9(2)(g)(i)
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s6(a)
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