NZDF

NZDF Deployments

NZDF Overseas Deployments Summary as at 16 March 2010

464  Operationally Deployed Forces (Output 16, Afghanistan, Timor- Leste, Solomon IslandsEgypt, Middle East, Sudan, Iraq, South Korea, and Antarctica)
400 Personnel deployed on overseas deployments/exercises (Non Output 16, operations/activities, and exercises)
864 Total number of personnel deployed on operations and exercises
41 Non Operational Overseas Postings (Defence Advisers/Attachés, and Defence personnel attached to NZ Embassies and NZ High Commissions)

There are currently 864 New Zealand Defence Force personnel deployed on 14 peacekeeping operations, UN missions and defence exercises across 10 countries.

Timor-Leste in brief

The New Zealand Defence Force currently has 157 personnel deployed in support of operations in Timor-Leste.  Our role is to help create a stable and secure environment so that the Timorese can address their own political future peacefully and constitutionally. 

New Zealand personnel support the International Police Force in and around Dili, conduct security patrols, provide advice to the Timor-Leste Defence Force, and work as United Nations Military Observers in specified locations.

The situation on the ground is calm but precarious.

Timor-Leste Image Gallery

Afghanistan in brief

The fifteenth rotation of NZDF personnel deployed in October 2009 to serve in the NZ Provincial Reconstruction Team (NZ PRT) in Afghanistan's Bamyan province. The contingent is commanded by Colonel Martin Dransfield.

NZDF Contingent Assists in the Solomon Islands

The platoon of New Zealand soldiers serving in the Solomon Islands is made up of mostly territorial force personnel and is led by Major Ian Piercey.

Overseas Deployments Background

Introduction

Throughout 2009 NZDF planned and commanded a number of major operations and provided support to a wide range of Government and community organisations. Major achievements included:

  • The deployment and sustainment of NZDF personnel in support of operations in Afghanistan.
  • The deployment and sustainment of NZDF personnel in support of United Nations missions around the world.
  • Operations in the Solomon Islands in support of RAMSI.

Future Direction

The planning, conduct and sustainment of operations continues to be the main effort for HQ JFNZ.  This involves:

  • Sustainment of operations in Afghanistan
  • Support to United Nations and Peace Keeping Operations around the world
  • The ongoing support to security and stability in the South Pacific (SOPAC) region through Closer Defence Relations (CDR) with Australia
  • Five Power Defence Agreement (FPDA), and
  • Regional exercises and diplomacy visits to SOPAC and South East Asia.

Forces and Locations

NZDF personnel participate in United Nations and Multinational peace support operations. Further details regarding these missions are shown under Output Class 16, Operationally Deployed Forces.

Contact form for more information.

Links to external agencies

A Sea Sprite helicopter from 6 Sqn RNZAF with supplies cargo for the small Tongan Island of Niuatoputapu. (MC09-0353-390)

Samoan Tsunami Relief

Undertaking a replenishment at sea with Japanese tanker JDS Oumi which was being escorted by the destroyer JDS Murasame. (WN-08-0085-02).

Arabian Gulf

TE MANA undertaking a replenishment at sea with Japanese tanker JDS Oumi.

May 2008

(WN-08-0085-02)

Afghanistan - difficult driving conditions. (WN-08-0043-56).

Afghanistan

Difficult driving conditions.

May 2008

(WN-08-0043-56)

OGL Patrol Base, Lebanon 2007

Lebanon

Observer Group's Patrol Base.

August 2007

(WN-07-0048-22)

This page was last reviewed on 16 March 2010, and is current.