Partnerships and engagements

International diplomacy and engagement is key for our Defence Force, both in contributing to New Zealand’s security and to maintaining the rules-based international system. Effective defence engagement also supports New Zealand’s broader foreign and economic policy objectives.

Last week, Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Garin Golding, attended the biennial Indo-Pacific Maritime Exposition and Sea-Power conference held in Sydney.

Rear Admiral Garin Golding was joined by the Associate Minister of Defence, Hon. Chris Penk, along with a delegation of Royal New Zealand Navy personnel.

Our participation isn’t just about being present, it’s about connection, collaboration, and contribution. It provides a powerful forum to share insights, strengthen alliances, and align our collective efforts to meet the challenges of the region.

Through these discussions, we reinforce the importance of a ready, resilient, and integrated force. One that is interoperable alongside our partners and able to safeguard peace, security, and stability across the Indo-Pacific.

Deputy Chief of Navy, Commodore Karl Woodhead, hosted his Royal Australian Navy counterpart, Rear Admiral Matt Buckley, and delegations at the Devonport Naval Base.

New Zealand Defence Force personnel joined forces recently with military partners and other government agencies to rehearse procedures for a humanitarian assistance and disaster response to a tropical cyclone in the Pacific.

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Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Garin Golding, and the Japanese Ambassador to New Zealand, Mr Makoto Osawa, toasted the friendship between the two countries.

Major General Paul Maynard, OBE, Royal Marines and Director Strategic Policy for the Royal Navy visit New Zealand for bilateral Navy to Navy talks.

Last week Deputy Chief of Army Brigadier Hamish Gibbons hosted his Australian counterpart Major General Chris Smith and a delegation from the Australian Army for three days of constructive staff talks in Wellington.

Ngāti Tūmatauenga hosted United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) Commanding General, General Ronald P. Clark for a valuable few days of discussions. It reaffirmed the strong and enduring military relationship between key Indo-Pacific partners.

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Lieutenant General Alfons Mais, Chief of the German Army, received an official welcome to Wellington this week, laying wreaths at the Pukeahu National War Memorial before a seri...

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This week the Commander US Space Command General Stephen Whiting had a whirlwind visit to New Zealand, speaking with senior military leaders and meeting New Zealand Defence Forc...

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New Zealand’s Chief of Army, Major General Rose King, and Australia’s Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, combined for a joint visit to Timor-Leste last week.

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Australia’s Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart and his New Zealand Army counterpart Major General Rose King have met with senior Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) leaders in Suva this week to kick-start a week-long tour of the Pacific.

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Chief of Army Major General Rose King and the Chief of the Australian Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart are set to lead a joint delegation to Fiji and Timor-Leste for important talks with our partners in the Pacific.

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The Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force, Air Marshal Tony Davies, hosted Canada’s Chief of Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan in Wellington as part of ongoing engagement between Canada and New Zealand.

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Royal New Zealand Navy's (RNZN) Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Garin Golding, welcomed Chief of the Royal Australian Navy, Vice Admiral (VADM) Mark Hammond to Devonport Naval Base yesterday.

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