Defence Minister Wayne Mapp has signalled changes to the role of the defence forces.
In a speech to Asian defence ministers at the annual Asia Security Summit in Singapore at the weekend, Dr Mapp said humanitarian relief needs to be seen as a core military task.
He says recognition of the humanitarian role will affect how New Zealand's defence forces are trained and equipped.
While advocating better relations between the military and aid agencies, he also told the ministers that soldiers are trained for combat, not aid.
Dr Mapp says his speech reflects current realities, including recent aid missions to several Pacific nations.
A senior lecturer at the New Zealand Military Studies Institute, Lance Beath, says Dr Mapp has signalled that future decisions about training and equipment will be guided by factors related to potential humanitarian missions.
For instance, Dr Beath says, pending decisions on new military aircraft are likely to be affected by what is suitable for aid missions into key areas such as the Pacific.
