News

This section offers the latest in Defence Force news. We also regularly issue statements and background information to the media. We have maintained an archive of media releases since May 2003.

NZDF Annual Report 2009 [pdf - 1.73Mb - 181 pages]
NZDF Statement of Intent - 2009 - 2012

Prime Minister visits Air Force Base Ohakea

Prime Minister John Key meets Flight Lieutenant Phillip Wilson during his visit to Ohakea Air Force Base (OH 10-0154-002).

Prime Minister John Key visited Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Ohakea yesterday, and saw first-hand the many aspects involved in the day-to-day running of an Air Base. The Prime Minister met with maintainers and crew in the hangar of No.3...

Advice for Gallipoli travellers

A view of the tightly packed crowds gathered for the New Zealand Anzac Day Service 2005 at Chunuk Bair, Gallipoli. (OH05-0163-57)

Veterans Affairs New Zealand (VANZ) reminds New Zealanders intending to travel to Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli to register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade safetravel service www.safetravel.govt.nz – the official source of...

Defence Force delivers aid to Aitutaki

NZ Army Engineers in Aitutaki, Cook Islands following damage from Cyclone Pat. (MC-10-0037-033tn)

The New Zealand Defence Force’s 'Operation Cook Islands Assist' is beginning its third day of helping the local population of Aitutaki clean up the damage from Cyclone Pat, which swept over the island last weekend

Naval survey boat assists in search for missing divers

The Naval Inshore Survey Motor Boat ADVENTURE(WN09-0041-012)

The Naval Inshore Survey Motor Boat ADVENTURE was in the right place at the right time when responding to a call for assistance to locate two divers.

NZDF person of the year named

NZDF Person of the Year Carol Voyce receives her award from the Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae (WN 09-0132-002).

Being the ’rock’ that many military families call on first for support, has earned Carol Voyce, of Christchurch, the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) Person of the Year award. Carol, a civilian member of the NZDF who holds the position of Deployment...

NZ Vietnam Veteran receives US Gallantry Medal after 41 years

Col.(retd) Brian Chippendale receives his US Bronze Star medal from US Consul General Mr Randy Berry Jnr at Silverdale RSA. (WN09-0040-097)

Auckland Vietnam Veteran Brian Chippindale was presented with a United States military gallantry decoration, the Bronze Star with V Device, 41 years after he performed the heroic act the medal recognises. The presentation will be made at the...

NZ High Commissioner and NZDF visit Lalomanu School

Lalomanu Primary School children get a close up look at an Iroquois helicopter as part of a thank-you for allowing the NZDF to use school facilities (AK09-0620-584).

Students at Lalomanu Primary School were treated to a visit by NZ High Commissioner to Samoa, Caroline Bilkey and a contingent of New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel on 15 October.The visit was organised as a thank you to the Lalomanu Village...

Defence Industry awards announced

The Minister of Defence presents Dr Guong Ching Tan of Singapore Technologies Aerospace with the Category A award (OH09-0630-022).

Minister of Defence Wayne Mapp last night presented the Awards of Excellence to three companies. Dr Mapp said that the Awards celebrate companies that have delivered exceptional service to the New Zealand Defence Force.

NZPRT in ground breaking meeting in Afghanistan

Senior National Officer, Group Captain Greg Elliott with Governor Habiba Sarabi at a ribbon cutting ceremony for a road project in Bamyan. (WN09-0026-057tn)

The New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team (NZPRT) has participated in an important official meeting in Afghanistan. The ‘Jirga’ was called by Governor Habiba Sorabi in response to the recent surge of improvised explosive devices (IEDs),...