We’re a force for

We’re a force for New Zealand

We’re a force for peace and security

We’re a force for those in need

We’re a force for good

We’re a force for our communities

A New Zealand Army Light Armoured Vehicle (NZLAV) moves through the water after coming off a Landing Craft Mechanism (LCM). To the left is an NH90 helicopter and in the far distance, behind the LCM is HMNZS Canterbury. It's a sunny day and the sun is cre

Three New Zealand Army soldiers silhouetted on the top of hill - one backlit from the sun.

A Royal New Zealand Air Force helicopter loadmaster looks out of an NH90 helicopter as the

A Navy sailor in line with sea in background, holding a box of supplies on their shoulder for delivery to Fiji.

C-130H(NZ) Hercules Loadmasters conduct air drops as they fly over the drop zone for a search and rescue exercise.

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We are a combat-capable force, trained, equipped, and ready to respond every hour of the day, every day of the year.

Our purpose is to keep Aotearoa New Zealand safe and secure. Our core task is to protect the sovereign territory of New Zealand including our Exclusive Economic Zone. We advance our nation’s interests through military operations at sea, on land and in the air. Our equipment and expertise supports people and communities in need at home, across our region, and around the world.

Learn more about what we do

We are a force of highly trained professionals.

We undertake a wide variety of roles in our Navy, Army, and Air Force, and in civilian positions. 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 utilise a diverse range of modern military equipment.

Ships & watercraft

Firepower

Aircraft

Military vehicles

Meet our leaders

About our structure

Air Marshal Kevin Short
Chief of Defence Force

Air Vice-Marshal Tony Davies
Vice Chief of Defence Force

Warrant Officer Class One Mark Mortiboy
Warrant Officer of the Defence Force

Rear Admiral James Gilmour
Commander Joint Forces New Zealand

Rear Admiral David Proctor
Chief of Navy

Major General John Boswell
Chief Of Army

Air Vice-Marshal Andrew Clark
Chief of Air Force

Bridget Musker
Chief Financial Officer

Brigadier Matthew Weston
Chief People Officer

Brigadier Rob Krushka
Chief Joint Defence Services

Considering a career in defence?

A career in the Defence Force gives you real purpose. You'll work as part of a tight-knit team, protecting your whānau, your country and our environment from harm. And you'll have the honour of representing New Zealand wherever you go.

Find out more