New Zealand Defence Force

NZDF: Malayan veterans sought

Malayan veterans sought

The New Zealand Defence Force is currently seeking Wellington-based veterans who served during the Malayan Emergency and the Indonesian Confrontation in the late 50s and 60s who have not yet received their Pingat Jasa Malaysia medal

NZDF: NZ PRT part of highway success in Afghanistan

NZ PRT part of highway success in Afghanistan

The people of Bamyan province, Afghanistan, will soon be able to reach their country’s capital much more easily thanks to the construction of a new two-lane highway. The provincial governor Dr Habiba Sarabi, Bamyan provincial government officials, local dignitaries including the district governor, and heads of shuras from local villages were present for the road sealing ceremony for a major section of the Bamyan-Kabul Road on 19 July

NZDF: New Zealand Defence Force honours fallen US service

New Zealand Defence Force honours fallen US service

The Vice Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force, Rear Admiral Jack Steer, is being hosted by the US Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General James Cartwright, while meeting US military leaders in Washington DC. It is the first time in many years that a senior New Zealand Defence Force visitor to Washington is being accorded a ‘counterpart visit’ with the US military formally hosting the occasion. RADM Steer attended a wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. He laid a wreath on behalf of the New Zealand Defence Force in memory of all US servicemen and women who have fallen in conflict.

NZDF: New Zealand’s Army Band invited back to Edinburgh Tattoo

New Zealand’s Army Band invited back to Edinburgh Tattoo

The New Zealand Army Band, known world-wide for their energetic and innovative performances, have been invited back for the third time to participate in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The Military Tattoo is the longest running and most prestigious of all international tattoo’s being viewed by over four billion world wide each year.

NZDF: Defence Force embraces Māori language week

Defence Force embraces Māori language week

The New Zealand Defence Force Māori Cultural Group, based at Ohakea ,will visit schools in Bulls and Feilding as part of Māori Language Week, which runs from 26 July to 2 August. Air Force Māori Cultural Advisor, Warrant Officer Wal Wallace says, “The programme will involve performing a couple of items but will mostly involve interaction through Reo based games and activities. The group will not be large but the activities will be fun and educational.”

NZDF: Defence Force implementing Auditor-General’s recommendations

Defence Force implementing Auditor-General’s recommendations

The New Zealand Defence Force accepts the findings of a report by the Controller and Auditor-General into housing allowances paid to its staff seconded to the United Nations between 2001 and 2008 and has already introduced changes. The Controller and Auditor-General tabled in Parliament today a report into how four members of the Defence Force came to sign false declarations to the United Nations (UN), failing to declare the payment of housing assistance from New Zealand.

NZDF: The Air Force Proms Charity Concert

The Air Force Proms Charity Concert

In association with the Palmertson North Lions Club and conducted by Squadron Leader Owen Clarke, the 65 members of the Central Band of the Royal New Zealand Air Force will perform the popular Air Force Proms concert in Palmerston North at 2.30pm on Sunday 25 July.

NZDF: HMNZS OTAGO ready for visit to Dunedin

HMNZS OTAGO ready for visit to Dunedin

The first of the new Offshore Patrol Vessels, HMNZS OTAGO, under the Command of Lieutenant Commander Simon Rooke, is preparing to conduct a first visit to her homeport region. HMNZS OTAGO will berth in Dunedin from Thursday 22 July to Tuesday 27 July 2010. During this historic visit OTAGO will be involved in a Ceremony of Welcome, the ship will be open to the public. Personnel will conduct a Charter Parade through the streets of Dunedin and host a large number of organised tours, to name but a few of the highlights planned. The Navy Band will perform in Dunedin, Balclutha, and Gore.

NZDF: Media Day 21 July: RNZAF Iroquois & Australian Army Blackhawk alpine flying exercise

Media Day 21 July: RNZAF Iroquois & Australian Army Blackhawk alpine flying exercise

No 3 Squadron (3 SQN) from the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) will hold its annual mountain flying exercise over the period 19 - 30 July 2010. Known as Exercise BLACKBIRD 2010 (BB10), the annual mountain flying exercise will be supported by members of Expeditionary Support Squadron (ESS). The exercise is designed to familiarise Iroquois crews with high altitude flying and cold weather operations and will be held at RNZAF Camp Dip Flat.

NZDF: Defence Force future-proofs electricity costs in new deal

Defence Force future-proofs electricity costs in new deal

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has chosen Contact Energy to be its new electricity supplier in a deal that future proofs it against rising energy prices for the next three years. In 2009 the Defence Force ran an open competitive tender for electricity supply, as its contractual arrangement with Meridian Energy, which had been supplying the NZDF with electricity since 2001, was about to expire.

NZDF: New Air Force officers graduate

New Air Force officers graduate

The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) celebrated the graduation of 15 Officers from the Initial Officer Training Course (IOTC) after 22 weeks of training at Woodbourne base on Friday afternoon, 9 July. The Reviewing Officer for the parade was Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Graham Lintott.

NZDF: Young people take on Air Force challenge

Young people take on Air Force challenge

Up to 80 Year 12 and 13 students from the Manawatu, Taranaki, Hawkes Bay, Wellington, Canterbury and Otago regions are getting a taste of fun, adventure and challenges as they spend a week at Air Force Base Ohakea. For the students taking part in the ‘Air Force Challenge’, which runs from 5-9 July, the week includes training exercises, sporting activities and the opportunity to talk with airmen and airwomen about what a career in the Air Force may hold.

NZDF: Fancy a career in the Army?

Fancy a career in the Army?

One hundred South Island students from year 12 to 13 will get a taste of military life over their school holidays next week. Selected students from around the South Island will attend the Army Careers Experience (ACE) held in Burnham military camp. The ACE is designed to enable students to get an understanding of the various employment options within the NZ Army. In addition, the students will be exposed to the Army lifestyle and various team building tasks.

NZDF: Defence Force arrives in Tuvalu for Pacific Relief exercise

Defence Force arrives in Tuvalu for Pacific Relief exercise

Three hundred and fifty New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel are arriving this week in Tuvalu as part of Exercise Tropic Twilight. Exercise Tropic Twilight is an annual exercise to a Pacific nation which is used to rehearse and improve the ability of the NZDF to respond to disasters within the South Pacific Region.

NZDF: First Auckland youth training course graduates

First Auckland youth training course graduates

124 young Aucklanders will graduate from the first Limited Service Volunteer (LSV) course run in Auckland. Media are invited to join friends and families of the graduates at the graduation parade at Hobsonville on Saturday morning. LSV is a six week residential course for unemployed young people aged between 17-25. The course is a joint venture between the New Zealand Defence Force and the Ministry of Social Development

NZDF: Air Force cadets exercise at Hamner Springs

Air Force cadets exercise at Hamner Springs

Air Force Officer Cadets from Woodbourne (near Blenheim) will be exercising in Hanmer Springs over the period 28 June - 2nd July 2010. The sixteen Officer Cadets including two women are all part of 10/01 Initial Officer Training Course (IOTC) and will base themselves at Hanmer Springs Forest Camp where they will set up a deployed camp.

NZDF: New naval officers ready for service careers

New naval officers ready for service careers

In front of an audience including their proud families and invited guests, 13 Naval Junior Officers, including 1 from Tonga, will graduate on Thursday, 1 July 2010 after 22 weeks training at the Navy’s Leadership and Development Group in Devonport. The Minister of Defence, the Honourable Dr Wayne Mapp, will review the parade, present prizes and welcome the graduates to the Navy and the NZ Defence Force.

NZDF: Air Force Helicopter Operations in the Greater Wellington Area

Air Force Helicopter Operations in the Greater Wellington Area

Information about the New Zealand Defence Force and the services it provides.

NZDF: EXERCISE WISEOWL COMES TO AN END AT NAPIER

EXERCISE WISEOWL COMES TO AN END AT NAPIER

Napier Aerodrome will return to normal operations as the Royal New Zealand Air Force pack up their tents and head back to Ohakea as Exercise Wiseowl comes to an end. The Air Force has been in Napier since 14 June for the biannual exercise that saw student pilots hone their skills at formation flying and flying in an unfamiliar airspace. The exercise also gave ground crews and trades the chance to operate in a deployed base environment.

NZDF: Air Force praises well equipped yachties after search and rescue

Air Force praises well equipped yachties after search and rescue

The crew of an Air Force Orion aircraft from No 5 Squadron successfully located a yacht after a distress beacon alert was received by the NZ Rescue Coordination Centre (NZRCC). The Orion crew launched from Auckland Air Force Base during the early hours of this morning and arrived on station just before 10am.

NZDF: Remembering the 'forgotten' war

Remembering the 'forgotten' war

Korean War veterans will gather at the National War Memorial in Wellington at 11.00am on Friday 25 June to remember those New Zealand military personnel who lost their lives during the Korean War. The ceremony, held on the 60th anniversary of the start of the Korean War, will be conducted by the New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) Principal Defence Chaplain Don Parker.

NZDF: Kiwi troops destroy Russian bomb in Afghanistan

Kiwi troops destroy Russian bomb in Afghanistan

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team from the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team (NZPRT) were called out to the location of a 100kg Russian aircraft bomb threatening both a village and the World Heritage Site of the largest Bamyan Buddha last month. Recent seasonal heavy rains in Bamyan Province had uncovered the severely corroded bomb next to a town well.

NZDF: Air Force Boeing develops ambulance capability

Air Force Boeing develops ambulance capability

The Royal New Zealand Air Force is developing an Aeromedical (AME) (air ambulance) capability to enable patients to be transferred safely around the world in its Boeing 757 aircraft. As a result the 757 has become a unique multi-role aircraft capable of being used in various roles including VIP, passenger only, freight only, combination of passengers and freight and now the AME role.

NZDF: First woman to command Navy Inshore patrol vessel

First woman to command Navy Inshore patrol vessel

Lieutenant Alexandra Hansen will become the first woman to command a Royal New Zealand Navy Inshore Patrol Vessel, HMNZS PUKAKI. A ceremony to mark the official change of Commanding Officer of PUKAKI, will be held Friday 18 June 2010 at 1000, at the Devonport Naval Base.

NZDF: Navy Inshore Patrol Vessel to rescue of Tug

Navy Inshore Patrol Vessel to rescue of Tug

The Naval Inshore Patrol Vessel HMNZS ROTOITI responded to a MAYDAY call this morning; a tug was on fire north of Cape Rodney. ROTOITI was at anchor in the Hauraki Gulf conducting a Naval training exercise when the Rescue Coordination Centre requested assistance to the MAYDAY call.

NZDF: Defence goes grocery shopping with Corrections

Defence goes grocery shopping with Corrections

The New Zealand Defence Force and the Department of Corrections have combined their buying power to deliver better value food stuffs for their organisations. The meals themselves may be different, but the savings are better for everyone.

NZDF: New Offshore patrol vessel arrives in Auckland

New Offshore patrol vessel arrives in Auckland

HMNZS WELLINGTON arrived at Devonport Naval Base to an emotional Navy haka performed by fleet personnel. Onboard for the arrival were the Honourable Heather Roy, Associate Minister of Defence, and Commodore Ross Smith the Maritime Component Commander. Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae, the Chief of Defence Force and Commodore Bruce Pepperell, Deputy Chief of Navy greeted the ship as it berthed.

NZDF: Americans honour New Zealanders killed in Vietnam

Americans honour New Zealanders killed in Vietnam

Warrant Officer Wayne McAsey next to the 173rd Airborne Memorial which shows the names of New Zealanders and Australians who were killed while serving with the 173rd Airborne Brigade during the Vietnam War.

NZDF: Royal New Zealand Navy ships showcased in Canada

Royal New Zealand Navy ships showcased in Canada

HMNZS TE KAHA and ENDEAVOUR have arrived in Victoria, Canada, to take part in the Canadian Navy’s 100th Anniversary celebrations from the 9 - 14 June 2010. Navy ships TE KAHA and tanker ENDEAVOUR will take part in the Maritime Force Pacific (MARPAC) International Fleet Review which will showcase 12 ships from Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and United States of America navies as well as Coastguards from Canada and America and French Pacific forces

NZDF: Exercise Wiseowl takes to the skies above Napier

Exercise Wiseowl takes to the skies above Napier

The Royal New Zealand Air Force is set to fly into Napier next week as part of Exercise Wiseowl 94. Napier Aerodrome will be transformed into a Deployed Operating Base when around 100 personnel set up for the biannual exercise, which runs from 14-24 June. Exercise Wiseowl 94 aims to give Air Force pilots under training the opportunity to hone their skills at flying in an unfamiliar airspace; while ground crews and trades operate in a deployed base environment.

NZDF: Defence personnel named in Queen's Birthday honours

Defence personnel named in Queen's Birthday honours

Eleven New Zealand Defence Force personnel have been named in the 2010 Queen’s Birthday Honours

NZDF: Lower Hutt soldier in Top Shot competition

Lower Hutt soldier in Top Shot competition

Former Lower Hutt man and Napier Territorial Force soldier Corporal (Cpl) Mark Duncan has been selected to represent the NZ Army at an international military shooting competition. Cpl Duncan is a member of 7 Wellington Hawkes Bay Regiment and is the only Territorial Force Soldier in the Army shooting team. Cpl Duncan will travel with the team to compete in the Central Skill at Arms competition (CENTSAM) held at Bisley in the United Kingdom later this month.

NZDF: 21 Gun Salute

21 Gun Salute

The New Zealand Army’s 16 Field Regiment will fire a 21 gun salute on Thursday from Point Jerningham, Wellington What: 21 gun salute to commemorate the birthday of His Royal Highness, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

NZDF: Minister remembers D-Day, honours veterans

Minister remembers D-Day, honours veterans

Veterans Affairs Minister Judith Collins has today honoured the veterans of D-Day on the 66th anniversary of the Allied landings in Normandy, France. The Normandy landings marked the beginning of the Allied invasion of German-occupied Europe.

NZDF: Sale of surplus Defence Houses could return $50M on Frontline

Sale of surplus Defence Houses could return $50M on Frontline

Vacant and surplus New Zealand Defence Force houses at military camps and bases around New Zealand are being sold. Proceeds from sales are estimated to return up to $50 million to the Defence Force’s frontline military capability. In the first phase of the Defence Housing Rationalisation Programme (DHRP), the New Zealand Defence Force is selling 174 vacant Army camp houses at Burnham, Linton and Waiouru, for removal

NZDF: 21 Gun salute

21 Gun salute

The New Zealand Army’s 16 Field Regiment will fire a 21 gun salute on Monday from Point Jerningham, Wellington. What: 21 gun salute to commemorate the birthday (official as observed in NZ) of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

NZDF: Defence Force Youth Development facility opens in Wellington on Tuesday

Defence Force Youth Development facility opens in Wellington on Tuesday

Associate Defence Minister, Hon Heather Roy will officially open the New Zealand Defence Force’s, Youth Development Unit (Central) at Trentham, Upper Hutt on Tuesday June 8 at 10am. The Youth Development Unit is the Wellington regional base for the delivery of the Limited Service Volunteer (LSV) course by the New Zealand Defence Force, for the Ministry of Social Development.

NZDF: Government to consider war pensions report

Government to consider war pensions report

The Government will give careful consideration to the Law Commission’s report on the review of the War Pensions Act 1954, Veterans Affairs Minister Judith Collins said.

NZDF: Defence Youth Development facility opens in Auckland on Friday

Defence Youth Development facility opens in Auckland on Friday

The New Zealand Defence Force’s Youth Development Unit (North) at Hobsonville in West Auckland will be officially opened on Friday, June 4 at 3pm. The Youth Development Unit (YDU) is the Auckland regional base for the delivery of three youth oriented programmes by the New Zealand Defence Force, for the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Education

NZDF: Engine trouble delays navy ship WELLINGTON

Engine trouble delays navy ship WELLINGTON

The Royal New Zealand Navy’s second Offshore Patrol Vessel, HMNZS WELLINGTON, has experienced engine problems and has diverted to Sydney. Engine faults were discovered while the ship was sailing from Melbourne to Auckland. HMNZS WELLINGTON was in the Tasman Sea, approximately 200 miles from Sydney, when a water seal in the port engine leaked, and the starboard engine’s control system developed an intermittent fault.