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

Latest Stories

A photo of HMNZS Te Kaha receiving fuel from RFA Tidespring - photo is taken in the wide ocean on a sunny day. There are some clouds in the sky.

New Zealand warship links up with UK Carrier Strike Group for combined operation

17 June 2025

Ops & exercises

Divers, on a small boat prepare to dive in front of the the hull of a large ship.

Navy teams back Customs in drug busts

12 June 2025

In the community

Sub Lieutenant Kamil Rahman (right) talks with another sailor in a plant room, both sailors wearing overalls and blue headphones.

Hard work, good food and karaoke build Indo-Pacific relationships

10 June 2025

Partnering

Two Navy Chiefs stand side by side in front of a wharf that have an archway that reads, "HMNZS PHILOMEL LANDING".

Australian Chief of Navy visits New Zealand

06 June 2025

Partnering

A small Royal New Zealand Navy Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat in front of the large grey US Navy ship, USS Blue Ridge.

Navy Reserves protect United States Naval Ship

30 May 2025

Partnering

Operation Resolution

30 May 2025

Story Collection

New Zealand-led task force, with Royal Navy, seizes NZ$1b worth of drugs in Arabian Sea

29 May 2025

Partnering

Psychologist wants to give back as Naval Reservist

29 May 2025

People

Five Navy sailors stand in uniform in front of a large "USS Blue Ridge". The ship casts a shadow on the sailors on a cold sunny day.

Kiwi sailors thrive on US Navy flagship

23 May 2025

Partnering

Navy’s sub-Antarctic science trip sows sailing seed for Dunedin student

19 May 2025

People

TYCCO Air Force P8 image only 2460x1000px 6

Support is in the DNA of NZDF in new Defence Recruitment campaign

14 May 2025

Organisation

NZDF joins large South Pacific disaster exercise as new response group starts work

14 May 2025

Partnering

Anzac Day 2025

14 May 2025

Story Collection

A woman in dress Navy uniform smiles at the camera in front of trees and blue sky.

Hawke’s Bay Navy Officer leads New Zealand contingent at Gallipoli

14 May 2025

People

Two large grey ships sail across blue seas only 45m away from each other. They are connected by lines and fuels pipes.

Te Kaha tops up for the mission ahead

13 May 2025

Partnering

A SH-2G(I) Seasprite Helicopter helicopter hovers over HMNZS Aotearoa

Defence Force receives operating funding boost

05 May 2025

Capability

HMNZS Taupo aids in rescue after yacht grounding

01 May 2025

In the community

Professionals boost the Navy Reserve Force

30 April 2025

In the community

Attendance soars at Anzac Day service in Gallipoli with biggest crowds in a decade

26 April 2025

Our Heritage

Second World War veterans receive message from King Charles

25 April 2025

Our Heritage

LTCDR Finnerty’s happy place – the engine room on HMNZS Canterbury

From one Canterbury to another

24 April 2025

People

New memorial to honour the fallen

22 April 2025

Our Heritage

Dunedin forum makes it easier for veterans to access support

17 April 2025

Defence and Customs strengthen maritime security with uncrewed surface vessels

15 April 2025

Partnering

New Zealand Defence Force deepens commitment to the South East Asian region

15 April 2025

Ops & exercises

New Navy housing to be built on North Shore

11 April 2025

Media Release

Devonport Naval Base declares war on waste

09 April 2025

Organisation

Final Court of Inquiry into HMNZS Manawanui grounding and sinking in Samoa released

04 April 2025

Media Release

Indian and New Zealand navies involved in $181m drug bust in Indian Ocean

03 April 2025

Partnering

Matataua show their skills in Middle East

01 April 2025

Ops & exercises

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We are Te Taua Moana - Warriors of the Sea

Maritime security and secure trade routes are vital for New Zealand. Our Exclusive Economic Zone is one of the largest in the world, and at 30m square kilometres, our search and rescue area of responsibility is 7% of the earth’s surface. We protect our ocean resources along with our Pacific Island neighbours and help maintain and preserve order in our region. We respond to disasters and crises, carrying people, equipment, supplies and expertise to where they are needed most.

Learn more about what we do

We are a force 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.

Ships & watercraft

Aircraft

Meet our leaders

About our structure

Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Garin Golding

Deputy Chief of Navy, Commodore Karl Woodhead MNZM

Maritime Component Commander, Commodore Shane Arndell

Darren Crosby Darren WO 20180720 NZDF C1033116 004

Warrant Officer of the Navy, Warrant Officer Communication Warfare Specialist Darren Crosby

Considering a career in the navy?

You'll work 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