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How we work

Purpose & Values

Choosing to serve or work in the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) means joining a team dedicated to protecting New Zealand, its people, and its interests. Discover how our shared purpose and strong values shape everything we do, both on and off duty, wherever we are in the world.

A true sense of purpose

Our purpose is clear: to advance New Zealand’s interests through military operations on sea, land, air, space, and in information domains. Much of this work involves preparation—training, building skills, running exercises, maintaining equipment, and staying ready for deployment. It also includes making a difference through humanitarian missions, disaster relief, and peacekeeping efforts, supporting communities in New Zealand and beyond.

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purpose

Everyone in the Defence Force plays a role in this mission. From recruitment coordinators ensuring the right people are ready for enlistment, to C130J pilots, Marine Technicians, and Communications Systems Engineers, every role matters. These shared efforts foster friendships and connections built on a common purpose. Knowing you have a team to lean on, learn from, and support is one of the most unique and rewarding aspects of being part of the NZDF.

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Our Lived in Values

What we believe in is what defines us as an exceptional Force. We're guided by four key values both on and off duty. They're at the heart of all that we do no matter where we are in the world.

Tū Kaha Courage

Courage is having the strength — moral and physical — to do what’s right, even in the face of adversity. It’s about stepping up when things get hard. It’s about speaking up when you see things that are unfair or wrong. Courage keeps us honest. It allows us to admit when we're wrong, and to try to be better. When we are courageous, we learn from our mistakes, we stand up for what’s right, and we’re proud of who we are.

Tū Tika Commitment

Commitment means doing your best. It’s about looking for ways to get the job done, and sticking with something even when it feels impossible. Commitment is about living and breathing our values at all times. We’re committed to serving New Zealand. We respect our country and our people, we honour each other, and we work together in difficult situations. We don’t give up.

Tū Tira Comradeship

Comradeship means respecting what makes people different. It's about treating others as you’d like to be treated. We are a family. We work together as a team, recognising we are stronger together. Comradeship is about being inclusive. As a Defence Force we say no to racism, sexism, heteronormativity, homophobia, xenophobia, and all other forms of hurtful behaviour. We go one step further and do what we can to prevent, stop, and report actions we don't stand by.

Tū Maia Integrity

Integrity means conducting yourself honestly, ethically and to the highest professional standards — even when no one is watching. It's about doing what you say you’re going to do, and accepting responsibility when you fail to. People who own up to their actions and accept the consequences — good or bad. They learn from their failures and help others to avoid the same pitfalls. When you have integrity, people trust you to act on your values and do the right thing.

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