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 military vessel cruises close to a rugged shore whilst naval staff assemble on the bow.

Navy and Fisheries NZ team up to conduct southern fishery patrol

12 February 2026

Partnerships

A woman dressed in a dark blue rain jacket and cap stands in front of a Navy Flag on board a Navy Ship.

Papakura teacher inspired by Navy and Air Force experience

11 February 2026

People

A woman stands on the tarmac smiling at the camera, her blond ponytail blowing in the wind while she wears a green flying suit with the New Zealand patch on her left arm. A large grey aircraft is behind her, the ramp is down and the New Zealand Kiwi is o

Hastings teacher brings back inspiration after ‘incredible experience’ at Defence Force camp

10 February 2026

People

A brown haired woman with glasses, wearing a green military flying suit, looks into the camera whilst standing on board a large military aircraft. Beside her is a military female holding a phone taking a photo of the scene behind - the open door of the a

Wānaka teacher gets hands-on at New Zealand Defence Force camp

10 February 2026

People

A blonde haired, middle aged man stands in front of two large grey naval ships. He wears a navy blue under armour polo shirt and stands casually with his arms behind his back. Behind him the New Zealand flag flies prominently on the bow of the closer shi

Rangiora teacher gets hands-on Navy and Air Force experience to pass on to students

10 February 2026

People

A male stands with his arms clasped in front of him, he is wearing a casual grey hoodie and jeans and a lanyard with his sunglasses on his head. He stands aboard a military naval ship and behind him is another grey ship alongside the wharf with glimpses o

Invercargill teacher brings back inspiration for students after 10-out-of-10 experience at Defence Force camp

10 February 2026

People

A large grey ship sails through blue water under clear skies,

Royal New Zealand Navy’s HMNZS Canterbury departs for mission to Tokelau

07 February 2026

Ops & exercises

75 years on – Anzac relationship strengthens as strategic environment evolves

05 February 2026

Partnerships

A large Naval vessel sits alongside the New Plymouth port area, it is a sunny day with blue skies and the city of New Plymouth can be seen in the background along with Mt Taranaki. The top of the mountain is obscured by cloud.

Navy’s largest ship sails into its New Plymouth home port

04 February 2026

In the community

A military pilot smiles broadly whilst wearing a black flying suit. He stands in front of a small black aircraft with one hand on his hip and the other holding his helmet.

‘Career barrel roll’: First Navy pilot joins RNZAF aerobatic Black Falcons team

03 February 2026

People

Royal New Zealand Navy looks forward to playing its part at Waitangi Day celebrations

03 February 2026

Our Heritage

Male wearing an aircrew uniform smiles as he stands with his arms folded in front of a grey military helicopter.

New squadron commander gets ready for mission demands and future aircraft

23 January 2026

People

New NZDF appointment underscores growing defence relationship with India

20 January 2026

Partnerships

Tongan junior officers graduate from Royal New Zealand Navy course

19 December 2025

Partnerships

HMS Neptune tragedy

19 December 2025

Our Heritage

Limited Service Volunteer from Whanganui finds his true calling in the Navy

18 December 2025

People

Whakatane officer on sponsored path to Naval Engineer

16 December 2025

People

Whakatāne sailor achieves Navy dream

16 December 2025

People

Kaitaia woman thrives in Navy environment

16 December 2025

People

YEAR IN REVIEW

16 December 2025

Organisation

Gisborne sailor home for Christmas after months at sea

15 December 2025

People

Remembering River Plate

13 December 2025

Our Heritage

Whakatāne sailor home for Christmas after eight-month deployment

12 December 2025

People

Nelson sailor home for Christmas after eight-month deployment

12 December 2025

People

Leading Logistics Supply Specialist Simek 1

Hamilton sailor home for Christmas after eight-month deployment

12 December 2025

People

HMNZS Aotearoa welcomed home after eight-month deployment

12 December 2025

Ops & exercises

A badge printed on a sign which reads, "Pacific Partnership" is held at the front of a large group of personnel at the from of a military ship. In the background the sun sets, reflecting off the water and lighting the sky and clouds.

New Zealand Defence Force personnel support largest US Navy humanitarian and civil assistance mission

11 December 2025

Partnerships

NZDF bolsters North Korea sanctions enforcement with HMNZS Aotearoa and P-8A Poseidon

08 December 2025

Ops & exercises

2025 NZDF Person of the Year – Sailor shows exceptional leadership and technical mastery

05 December 2025

People

Dedicated team player balances elite Sport with Service to deliver impressive multi-sport season

03 December 2025

People

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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