Culture of Leadership
The New Zealand Defence Force expects all personnel who have been vested with managerial or command responsibility to demonstrate appropriate leadership. The CDF, single Service Chiefs and Joint Force Commander will place priority on developing and sustaining leadership at all levels.
Joint Culture
Each single Service brings specific capabilities to the Defence Force backed by the unique character and ethos of the individual Service. They will operate as separate Services within one Force. Command is with the Chief of Defence Force through the single Service Chiefs and Joint Force Commander, who undertake to develop joint systems doctrine and practices while retaining essential single Service cultures and identity.
Equity
Applying the principles of equity is an integral part of leadership and management at all levels. All personnel have an individual responsibility to demonstrate behaviour according to our Force and single Service values and standards, particularly those relating to fairness and nondiscriminatory behaviour. The CDF, single Service Chiefs and Joint Force Commander continue to be committed to implementing recommendations of the Defence Force Gender Integration Audit.
Reflecting New Zealand Society
New Zealand is a culturally and ethnically diverse society. The CDF, single Service Chiefs and Joint Force Commander are committed to ensuring the Defence Force reflects this diversity. The New Zealand Defence Force recognises the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.
Valuing Individual Contribution
The Defence Force values a partnership with individuals that is fair and equitable and based on merit. The CDF, single Service Chiefs and Joint Force Commander are committed to balancing needs of individuals against the demands of operational requirements.
Preparedness
The New Zealand Government expects the Defence Force to provide a trained and appropriately equipped Defence Force. The CDF, single Service Chiefs and Joint Force Commander are committed to creating the environment and providing the resources to best prepare Defence Force personnel for operational requirements.
Strengthening the Defence Community Partnership
The New Zealand Defence Force recognises it is part of a wider community. The CDF, single Service Chiefs and the Joint Force Commander are committed to ensuring the Defence Force develops and maintains positive relationships with each partner within this community.
The Way Forward
The values and commitments express the way forward for the New Zealand Defence Force.
The CDF, single Service Chiefs and Joint Force Commander expect individual members of the Defence Force to work together as one team, dependent on each other, helping each other, and putting others before self.
The New Zealand Defence Force is one Force comprising components working in the best interests of each other.