WikiLeaks cable: NZDF to provide P-3 Orion to PSI exercise

Photo / Mark Mitchell

This is one of the cables about New Zealand held by Wikileaks.

May 25, 2007
SUBJECT: NZDF TO PROVIDE P-3 ORION TO PSI EXERCISE

Classified By: ACTING DCM KATHERINE B. HADDA, FOR REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D)

1. (C) NZDF Director of International Defence Relations Wayne
Higgins told Emboffs today that Chief of Defence Force
Mataparae has approved an NZDF P-3 Orion's participation in a
regional, Operations Expert Group (OEG)-led PSI exercise, to
be held in Japan October 15-18. The decision was made
following a request from Japan. Higgins said that it would
be a struggle for NZDF to contribute the plane given the
Orion upgrades now underway, but when Japan stepped up to
host the exercise the GNZ wanted to offer support. He added
that NZDF gives priority to contributing assets to regional
PSI exercises, given that New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and
Singapore are the only Asia-Pacific regional OEG members.

2. (C) Higgins said NZDF is informing the Embassy of the
decision now in order to give the USG ample time to process
any necessary waivers for U.S. participation in the exercise.
They will also pass this information to U.S. officials
through the NZ Embassy in Washington.

Keegan