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 for good

We’re a force for peace and security

HMNZS Te Kaha and HMNZS Aotearoa performing a Replenishment at Sea (RAS)

HMNZS Canterbury at sea, green New Zealand hills in background

A Royal New Zealand Navy sailor on the bridge of a ship about to look through some binoculars. It's really dark, and you can see the red light from the bridge. The sailor is looking to the left of the picture and to their right, is the ocean and the bridg

A Navy sailor in line with sea in background, holding a box of supplies on their shoulder for delivery to Fiji.

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Yorkshire woman takes command of Royal New Zealand Navy Ship

Media Release

Woman in white navy uniform stands on the deck of HMNZS Taupo, a grey patrol ship with the crew, also in white dress uniform behind her.

New command for patrol vessel

People

Person of the Year event 2022

Media Release

Chief of the Defence Force announces the 2022 Person of the Year Award

Media Release

NZDF enacts rules around civilian harm reports Feb 2021

NZDF Person of the Year 2022

People

A woman wearing a dark blue Navy uniform with gold accents checks blood pressure of patient in a medical room.

Medic on call

People

Seven award winners wearing black blazers, dresses and pants and white shirts stand in a line, they smile at the camera with their awards.

NZDF Sports Awards 2022

People

Large grey tanker ship with orange life boats slowly passes land as it arrives into Pearl Harbour.

HMNZS Aotearoa to visit Solomon Islands en route home

Media Release

Woman smiles as she stands in front of a sign.

Te Puke teacher takes Navy teachings to school

People

Man in Navy uniform smiles as he holds a trophy that resembles an anchor.

RNZN Sailor of the Year recognised for giving back

People

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We are Te Taua Moana - Warriors of the Sea, professionally trained and committed to doing what is right for our country and for those who ask for our help.

As an island nation with no immediate neighbours, maritime security is vital for New Zealand. Around 90% of our imports and exports are transported by sea so ensuring our trade routes are secure is critical for our economy. Our Exclusive Economic Zone is one of the largest in the world, and at 30,000,000 square kilometres our search and rescue area of responsibility is 7% of the earth’s surface. We protect our own natural ocean resources along with those of our Pacific Island neighbours and play our part in maintaining and preserving order in our region. We are one of the first responders to natural disasters and crises, spearheading the humanitarian response by carrying people, equipment, supplies and expertise to where they are needed most.

Learn more about what we do

Our maritime force is made up 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

Our fleet comprises nine modern and versatile ships and over 2,500 uniformed personnel who undertake a full range of maritime tasks from a combat capability to conducting humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions, fishery and border patrols through to support for government agencies.

HMNZS Ships Otago, Canterbury and Wellington sailing together on the sea.

Ships & watercraft

A SH-2G(I) Seasprite Helicopter flies in the foreground of the image with HMNZS Te Kaha. In the background there are two other warships from other countries

Aircraft

Meet our leaders

About our structure

Rear Admiral David Proctor
Chief of Navy

Commodore Andrew Brown
Deputy Chief of Navy

Commodore Garin Golding
Maritime Component Commander

Warrant Officer Diver Lance Graham
Warrant Officer of the Navy

Considering a career in the navy?

A career in the Defence Force is unlike anything out there. You'll be working 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