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

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.

Latest
Stories

Invictus Games 2023

19 September 2023

Story Collection

Whakatāne woman wins bronze at Invictus Games

19 September 2023

People

First Cook Islands coastwatcher plaque unveiled in New Zealand

18 September 2023

Our Heritage

Joined the Navy - and still in school

16 September 2023

People

Fleet Sports Officer taking it in

13 September 2023

People

Four divers jump into the water from the wharf at the Port of Tauranga. They are all wearing full dive apparatus, including wet suits, tanks and fins.

Navy assists Customs in underwater drug search

12 September 2023

Media Release

Growing connections in disaster preparation exercise

01 September 2023

Ops & exercises

A sailor looks down the sight of gun on the Mobile Weapons Training System, with three others doing the same in the background.

Laser simulation tests shoot-don’t shoot scenarios

30 August 2023

Capability

Great Barrier rescue among Defence recognition awards

25 August 2023

People

NZ Navy to participate in major South East Asia exercise

21 August 2023

Ops & exercises

Five-month naval deployment

13 August 2023

Ops & exercises

Heart Transplant at 25

11 August 2023

People

A large pile of seized drugs photographed on the deck of USCGC John Scheuerman. The packaged drugs range from small clear plastic bags (front) to larger coloured tupperware, with large yellow bags in the background.

NZ Navy personnel play part in Middle East drug bust

10 August 2023

Media Release

NZDF troops have been honing their warfighting skills during Exercise Talisman Sabre 23 in Queensland, where they worked alongside forces from 12 other nations

Talisman Sabre hones NZDF's readiness for combat

08 August 2023

Ops & exercises

Logistics teams prepare the ground

01 August 2023

In the community

Dog Handler Cheryl with Kiwa from New Zealand Customs Service’s detector dog training with Lieutenant Commander Rob Badger at Devonport Naval Base.

Custom dogs get freedom to sniff thanks to Navy

27 July 2023

Organisation

NZDF personnel and platforms have arrived in Australia ready to take part in the 10th and largest iteration of Exercise Talisman Sabre, involving around 30,000 personnel from 11 nations.

NZDF mobilises for largest-ever Exercise Talisman Sabre

21 July 2023

Ops & exercises

The former Farmlands building on Cumberland Street is destined to become the home of three NZDF units which are currently in separate Dunedin locations

NZDF consolidates Dunedin-based military facilities in one building

21 July 2023

Organisation

A Seasprite helicopter ready for mountain flying is on the tarmac of Whitianga Airfield.

Coromandel terrain provides invaluable training for maritime helicopter crew

12 July 2023

Capability

Invictus Games 2023: Meet our NZ Team

12 July 2023

People

Midshipman Jess Layburn at the University of Canterbury.

Wellingtonian engineers a path with the Royal New Zealand Navy

03 July 2023

People

Two Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats from HMNZS Taupo approach a vessel prior to boarding

NZ Navy ship completes maritime patrol in Samoa to help protect fisheries

28 June 2023

Ops & exercises

20230216 Met Bouy 57 Seconds.00 00 06 24.Still004

Navy and science combine to map rogue waves

26 June 2023

Ops & exercises

Fisheries protection and more in the 1950's, 60's and 70's

23 June 2023

Our Heritage

Navy graduates eye up bright future

19 June 2023

People

A RHIB with personnel from HMNZS Matataua wearing black uniform and helmets moves over the ocean along side HMS Spey, a grey Royal Navy ship.

The reinvigoration of the RNZN boarding capability

07 June 2023

Capability

Light Armoured Vehicles lined up in the Waiouru Military Training Area

Protected Mobility Capability Project

01 June 2023

Story Collection

The life changing call

31 May 2023

People

Our personnel in formation march in full gear in the Malaysian Jungle.

Support to Ukraine

12 May 2023

Story Collection

Introducing the C130J

12 May 2023

Story Collection

See all stories

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