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

17 May 2023

Story Collection

Sub Lieutenant Emily Aull stands in an engine room with arms crossed, wearing blue ear protectors and white overalls with a black and gold name badge.

Palmerston North Navy trainee roams two oceans with UK Navy

11 May 2023

People

Investiture Ceremony 13 April 2016 117 1024x9041

Celebrating our veterans: Korean War

08 May 2023

Our Heritage

History-making moment for NZDF Contingent marching in coronation of His Majesty King Charles III

07 May 2023

Organisation

Personnel march in London at King Charles’ Coronation

03 May 2023

People

Able Hydrographic Systems Operator Kenneth Woodall.

Navy skills provide springboard to professional degree

02 May 2023

People

Navy Officer experiences life on an icebreaker

02 May 2023

People

Former New Zealand Army Special Air Service soldier and Victoria Cross recipient, Willie Apiata, with auction items at his fundraiser for Ngāti Porou in Auckland

Apiata memorabilia auction raises more than $200,000 for cyclone-hit Ngāti Porou

01 May 2023

In the community

Able Marine Technician (Electrical) Gemma Townshend hold some tools in her arms and is wearing blue overalls. She stands in front of monitors in a control room.

Finding that niche trade

30 April 2023

Life in Service

Operation Endurance: Where Navy meets science on the edge of Aotearoa

28 April 2023

Ops & exercises

A soldier standing during Anzac Day commemoration.

NZDF marks Anzac Day at home and around the world

25 April 2023

Media Release

Our personnel reflect on their Gallipoli Journey

24 April 2023

Our Heritage

Moving ceremony commemorates Maori Pah site at Gallipoli

24 April 2023

Our Heritage

NZDF prepares team for Invictus Games

21 April 2023

People

A RHIB travels towards the camera as it turns left with participants from School to Seas smiling on board. Those on the RHIB are wearing overalls, life jackets and helmets with visors. The water is very clear and cliffs are visible in the background.

Students reflect on Navy's School to Seas camp

20 April 2023

People

A sailor holds the handle of a ceremonial sword which has a gold handle, other sailors are blurred in the background.

New milestone for Navy reserves

13 April 2023

People

Female students embrace 'School to Seas' experience at Navy Base

13 April 2023

Media Release

Personnel from a variety of militaries sit for a large group photo in a covered outdoor area. All personnel are wearing the uniform of their military and most of these are a camouflage green.

Wargames in South Korea

12 April 2023

Ops & exercises

Perspectives on the value proposition of the New Zealand Naval Combat Force

12 April 2023

Organisation

NZDF research reveals thousands of Second World War campaign medals were never claimed by veterans

07 April 2023

Media Release

A Pinzgauer vehicle drives off a landing craft on to Lomolomo during Operation Mahi Tah

NZDF trials beach landing equipment in Fiji

06 April 2023

Capability

Sale of former Royal New Zealand Navy vessels provides $26 million boost to local economy

06 April 2023

Media Release

NZDF members embrace Fijian culture during military exercise

04 April 2023

Media Release

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

Our Heritage

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

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