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

Mammoth Indo-Pacific disaster exercise highlights countries' similarities: NZ Navy Captain

08 December 2023

Media Release

Royal New Zealand Navy to trial uncrewed, renewable-powered vessel

04 December 2023

Capability

NZDF Person of the Year 2023

01 December 2023

People

Artist impression of a Sea Ceptor missile being launched from a ship

Missiles away

01 December 2023

Capability

NZDF People of the Year Awards 2023

30 November 2023

Story Collection

Sailor of the Year

28 November 2023

People

Soaring at Wings Over Wairarapa 2023

27 November 2023

In the community

RNZN sailors train Fijian counterparts in crucial firefighting skills

24 November 2023

Media Release

HMNZS Manawanui personnel delivering aid to Malolo Island

HMNZS Manawanui provides tropical cyclone assistance to Fiji

24 November 2023

Media Release

Navy's top shot competition is back

22 November 2023

Capability

Registration opens for 2024 Gallipoli services

22 November 2023

Media Release

HMNZS Aotearoa’s new Commanding Officer

20 November 2023

People

‘Grab a piece of awesome,’ says Naval Reserves recruiter

16 November 2023

People

Support to Ukraine

15 November 2023

Story Collection

RNZN virtual reality creators earn joint Innovation of the Year honour

15 November 2023

Media Release

Sole-charge medic on Navy’s smallest ship

10 November 2023

People

Find your bearings on the Bravos course

07 November 2023

People

Navy runner pushes for worlds

06 November 2023

People

New Navy fleet benefits from trans-Tasman industry expertise

03 November 2023

Capability

RNZN ship’s crew to work alongside Pacific Partners in seven-week deployment

01 November 2023

Media Release

Carver creates gateway to the Navy

30 October 2023

Life in service

HMNZ Ships Aotearoa and Te Mana take part in Exercise Bersama Lima in Malaysian waters.

NZDF concludes Malaysian exercise with Five Powers partners

27 October 2023

Media Release

Trio of new boats strengthens Royal New Zealand Navy’s capability

25 October 2023

Media Release

Introducing the C-130J

16 October 2023

Story Collection

From Warfare to Weeding

10 October 2023

In the community

Leading Chef Monique Manuel and Able Chef Alice Wyatt both look at the camera in uniform, smiling.

Lamb pies vs tacos for US Coast Guard

02 October 2023

People

Indo-Pacific military exercise also about encouragement

28 September 2023

People

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

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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