We’re a force for New Zealand

We’re a force for our communities

We’re a force for those in need

We’re a force for good

We’re a force for peace and security

Latest Stories

A grey Navy ship sails past Miramar Peninsular on the way into Wellington Harbour.

HMNZS Canterbury’s fourth capital visit this year highlights ship’s critical Defence role

29 August 2025

Capability

Hawke’s Bay naval officer hones his skills in the Pacific

27 August 2025

People

Taupō trumpeter in demand in brand new career with Royal New Zealand Navy Band

26 August 2025

People

Sailors wave from behind a netted fence on a ship underneath the Navy flag as it blows in the wind. The flag has a Union Jack and four stars on it

Frigate HMNZS Te Kaha welcomed home following seven-month deployment

24 August 2025

Ops & exercises

Government underscores ‘combat capable’ fleet in decision on Defence helicopter and plane

21 August 2025

Capability

A man with a mostache in military uniform looks at the camera as he stands in front of the two grey USVs on trailers.

Devonport naval officer embraces new tech as Navy helps Fiji police its waters

14 August 2025

People

NZDF and University of Auckland collaborate on low-cost lifesaving locator for people at sea

14 August 2025

Media Release

Three ships, photographed from a helicopter sail into Wellington harbour.

Japanese Navy visit a boost for Indo-Pacific interoperability

11 August 2025

Partnerships

Navy’s warfare training helps uncover lake’s secrets

11 August 2025

In the community

Massive tick for partnership as large-scale military exercise wraps up

08 August 2025

Ops & exercises

LT Cunningham stands with arms crossed in front of the large grey US Navy ship, USS Pearl Harbor. The number 52 is painted on the front-side of the ship.

Kiwi officer embedded in Pacific Partnership

07 August 2025

Partnerships

Three sailors stand in a row in uniform, hands behind their backs

Navy trio work alongside Fiji in piloting uncrewed vessels

31 July 2025

Capability

HMNZS Canterbury concludes week-long Fiji deployment

25 July 2025

Ops & exercises

Replenishment by air for Navy ship

23 July 2025

Ops & exercises

HMNZS Canterbury delivers leading-edge technology to support regional security tasks in Fiji

18 July 2025

Ops & exercises

A uniformed sailor stands looking at the camera with a Navy ship in the background, out of focus. The sailor has a cap on and is smiling at the camera.

Sailor takes command of revitalised frigate HMNZS Te Mana

17 July 2025

People

Exercise Talisman Sabre gets underway

14 July 2025

Ops & exercises

Commander takes the helm of revitalised frigate

11 July 2025

People

A sailor sits at a computer in a suit with other personnel working in the background.

Merchant shipping and Navy – finding the best fit

09 July 2025

Ops & exercises

I Have The Watch: Four engineers keep HMNZS Te Kaha humming

08 July 2025

People

Royal New Zealand Navy frigate visits Jakarta

01 July 2025

Ops & exercises

Navy checks on domestic fisheries fleet

27 June 2025

Partnerships

A diver from HMNZS Matataua leaves a Zodiac, a small boat. Five other sailors and divers remain in the boat.

Navy divers neutralise Second World War mines in Hauraki Gulf

26 June 2025

Ops & exercises

New Zealand-led navies conclude counter narcotics operations in Middle East waters

25 June 2025

Partnerships

A photo of HMNZS Te Kaha receiving fuel from RFA Tidespring - photo is taken in the wide ocean on a sunny day. There are some clouds in the sky.

New Zealand warship links up with UK Carrier Strike Group for combined operation

17 June 2025

Ops & exercises

Divers, on a small boat prepare to dive in front of the the hull of a large ship.

Navy teams back Customs in drug busts

12 June 2025

In the community

Sub Lieutenant Kamil Rahman (right) talks with another sailor in a plant room, both sailors wearing overalls and blue headphones.

Hard work, good food and karaoke build Indo-Pacific relationships

10 June 2025

Partnerships

Two Navy Chiefs stand side by side in front of a wharf that have an archway that reads, "HMNZS PHILOMEL LANDING".

Australian Chief of Navy visits New Zealand

06 June 2025

Partnerships

A small Royal New Zealand Navy Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat in front of the large grey US Navy ship, USS Blue Ridge.

Navy Reserves protect United States Naval Ship

30 May 2025

Partnerships

Operation Resolution

30 May 2025

Story Collection

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We are Te Taua Moana - Warriors of the Sea

Maritime security and secure trade routes are vital for New Zealand. Our Exclusive Economic Zone is one of the largest in the world, and at 30m square kilometres, our search and rescue area of responsibility is 7% of the earth’s surface. We protect our ocean resources along with our Pacific Island neighbours and help maintain and preserve order in our region. We respond to disasters and crises, carrying people, equipment, supplies and expertise to where they are needed most.

Learn more about what we do

We are a force of highly trained professionals.

We come from all walks of life and share a strong sense of what it means to be Kiwi - our culture is based on our values Tū Kaha (courage), Tū Tika (commitment), Tū Tira (comradeship) and Tū Maia (integrity). Together, we are Force for New Zealand and are proud to serve Aotearoa and its diverse communities.

More about our people

We operate a fleet of ships, watercraft, and aircraft for operational tasks and training.

Ships & watercraft

Aircraft

Meet our leaders

About our structure

Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Garin Golding

Deputy Chief of Navy, Commodore Karl Woodhead MNZM

Maritime Component Commander, Commodore Shane Arndell

Darren Crosby Darren WO 20180720 NZDF C1033116 004

Warrant Officer of the Navy, Warrant Officer Communication Warfare Specialist Darren Crosby

Considering a career in the navy?

You'll work as part of a tight-knit team, protecting your family, friends, the environment and your country from harm and representing the New Zealand way of life where you go. It's an incredibly rewarding job that gives you a real sense of purpose.

Find out more