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

Royal New Zealand Navy takes out top prize at 47th Roy Smith Memorial Trophy Competition

02 October 2024

Media Release

Navy Reservists contribute to Exercise Kakadu

02 October 2024

Ops & exercises

No.6 Squadron multitasks during Exercise Bluebird

01 October 2024

Ops & exercises

Far North bay ideal for international mine warfare exercise

25 September 2024

Media Release

Whangarei sailor on deployment to South East Asia

19 September 2024

Media Release

A black and white photo of Physical Training Instructors showcase their strength and agility in a gymnastic display in the 1960s. They conduct handstands on the ground and various aparatus.

Strength in numbers for PTIs

19 September 2024

Our Heritage

New Warrant Officer of the Navy

18 September 2024

Media Release

Sailor expands her horizons with the Royal New Zealand Navy

13 September 2024

Media Release

NZDF contributes to Solomon Islands explosives disposal work

09 September 2024

Media Release

New Chief of Navy's marae ceremony

09 September 2024

People

Recreational diver chases Navy dream

06 September 2024

People

First female divers join the Royal New Zealand Navy Clearance Diving trade

02 September 2024

Media Release

104 year old navy veteran reflects on WWII

29 August 2024

Looking Back

New appointments for NZDF's senior leadership

28 August 2024

Organisation

Southland engineer takes command of frigate

27 August 2024

Media Release

New design for Navy officer’s sword

23 August 2024

Our Heritage

Tonga Language Week 2024

22 August 2024

People

Recruiting ambassador inspires next generation

19 August 2024

People

Defence Force recognises personnel in a wide range of roles

08 August 2024

Media Release

Home away from home for Ōpōtiki sailors aboard HMNZS Aotearoa

06 August 2024

Media Release

Royal New Zealand Navy ship conducts longest replenishment at sea

02 August 2024

Partnering

Navy medic’s decade-long journey to her dream job

02 August 2024

Media Release

Solomon Island deployment concludes

01 August 2024

Media Release

Jet skier eyes world title

31 July 2024

People

Young Auckland naval officer takes charge of HMNZS Taupo

23 July 2024

Media Release

Sailor's experience backs up psychology pathway

19 July 2024

People

Former Army gunner switches to Navy blues with warfare officer role

10 July 2024

Media Release

HMNZS Manawanui returns from South Pacific deployment

10 July 2024

Media Release

Kiribati Language Week 2024

08 July 2024

People

HMNZS Aotearoa arrives at RIMPAC 2024

02 July 2024

Media Release

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We are Te Taua Moana - Warriors of the Sea

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

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

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 Garin Golding

Chief of Navy

Commodore Andrew Brown

Deputy Chief of Navy

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