ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on what security means for the Pacific at the start of the 21st century, and in particular the security challenges faced by the region. It adopts a broader, more contemporary, definition of security, rather than simply discussing security in the traditional military sense. The chapter takes a New Zealand approach, and offers suggestions about the role that New Zealand can play in the emerging regional security environment. The consequential security challenges are many and varied. They are mainly non-traditional and non-military. The Government's Defence Policy recognises the Pacific Islands region as New Zealand's second international defence relations priority, after Australia, and confirms our interest in playing a constructive role in the defence and security of the region. These defence responsibilities and obligations have been integral to our security thinking for many years. In recent years, New Zealand has led, or contributed to peace operations in the region.
