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.

Latest
Stories

Naval anniversary sparks career at sea

29 March 2023

People

Thirty-year labour of love gifted to Navy

28 March 2023

Our Heritage

HMNZS Te Mana (background) joins HMNZS Te Kaha (foreground) at the end of the latter’s deployment.

Operation Enduring Freedom

27 March 2023

Ops & exercises

HMNZS Canterbury sailing into port in Lautoka, Fiji.

HMNZS Canterbury arrives in Lautoka for Operation Mahi Tahi

21 March 2023

Media Release

Ruby Tui wows at Navy Base

16 March 2023

Organisation

A wharf and buildings framed by trees stick out into Wellington harbour. Clouds and blue sky reflect on the calm water.

Formerly known as HMNZS Cook

03 March 2023

Our Heritage

A grey Seasprite helicopter flies in front of forest covered hills, the rotors are blurred slightly and the landing gear is down.

Taking in the damage

01 March 2023

Ops & exercises

NZ Army proving routes and supplying communities

28 February 2023

In the community

An eight-person team from HMNZS Matataua got Gisborne’s water supply flowing properly again, after diving in a severely blocked treatment plant to remove silt.

Navy divers get drinking water flowing

23 February 2023

In the community

HMNZS Canterbury loads up for Napier

21 February 2023

In the community

A Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopter crewman passes supplies to an Aropaoanui resident.

Defence Force increases support to disaster regions

19 February 2023

Media Release

Navy delivers to cut-off East Coast

17 February 2023

In the community

Stock photo of HMNZS Manawanui gliding through the ocean on a sunny day with land and hills in the distance. The ship is grey and rather bulky with a large crane on the back.

Two Navy ships to deploy to the East Coast

15 February 2023

Ops & exercises

Navy rescues sailor from yacht adrift in storm

14 February 2023

Media Release

Cyclone: NZDF across the regions

14 February 2023

In the community

NZDF continues to support preparations ahead of Cyclone Gabrielle

12 February 2023

In the community

NZDF deploys specialist team and clean-up parties as Cyclone Gabrielle approaches

10 February 2023

Media Release

The New Zealand Conservation Dog Programme returning to HMNZS Canterbury via Seasprite helicopter after undertaking rodent detection on Rangitāhua /Raoul Island.

NZDF supports conservation, scientific, cultural effort on offshore islands

09 February 2023

Media Release

Operation Hydros: Police, Customs and NZDF recover half a billion dollars’ worth of cocaine at sea

08 February 2023

Media Release

View of Auckland floods from a Seasprite Helicopter

NZDF support to the Auckland flood response

02 February 2023

In the community

The Royal New Zealand Navy Royal Guard of Honour stands to attention as HMNZS Wellington conducts a 21-gun salute at the 2021 celebration.

Royal New Zealand Navy returns to Waitangi Day commemorations

02 February 2023

Media Release

Criminal Barrister joins Naval Reserve

30 January 2023

People

Hercules aircraft on the wet, reflective tarmac of Whenuapai Air Force Base.

Defence Force aids Auckland in flood emergency

28 January 2023

In the community

CDR Dave Barr discusses the capabilities of HMNZS Aotearoa with HEGG Cindy Kiro.

Governor General gives thanks for COVID efforts

27 January 2023

Media Release

The Operation Protect patch, worn on a uniform

NZDF personnel recognised for their contribution to the Government’s COVID-19 Response

20 January 2023

Organisation

Five sailors wearing white tops and black trousers stand behind a table, in front of curtains.

Stewards take key role in diplomacy

18 January 2023

Life in Service

New Year Honours awarded to three NZDF personnel

31 December 2022

Media Release

Three soldiers wearing hearing protection lower their heads as they fire a mortar, this creates a large flame . There are trees in the background and blue skies with scattered cloud.

New Zealand and Fiji - Neighbours across the Pacific Ocean

19 December 2022

Organisation

Yorkshire woman takes command of Royal New Zealand Navy Ship

09 December 2022

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

08 December 2022

People

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