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.

Latest
Stories

Switching on as an Armoured Vehicle driver

24 March 2023

Life in Service

Our long-time link to Antarctica

24 March 2023

People

HMNZS Canterbury sailing into port in Lautoka, Fiji.

HMNZS Canterbury arrives in Lautoka for Operation Mahi Tahi

21 March 2023

Media Release

Fuel specialists keep rotors spinning

21 March 2023

In the community

Three aviators in camouflage uniform each stand with one food on a pink Flamingo electric scooter. They stand in front of a fence on the outskirts of Base Ohakea with a plane, tarmac and hangers in the background.

Flying Flamingos: Base Ohakea trials free e-scooter scheme

20 March 2023

Media Release

Army Band send aroha to the East Coast '35'

17 March 2023

In the community

Ruby Tui wows at Navy Base

16 March 2023

Organisation

Preparing for a Search and Rescue, Private Rayner, left, and Lance Corporal Sheridan locate positions of interest on the map as part of the NZDF’s response to Cyclone Gabrielle

Tairāwhiti Reserve Force soldier gets early taste of helping his community

16 March 2023

In the community

Members of the Fijian Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief Task Force joined forces with NZDF engineers to help a cyclone-affected farming family.

Fijian And Kiwi Expertise Aids Farmer

15 March 2023

In the community

A modern-day signaller

15 March 2023

In the community

Many hands make happy feet

14 March 2023

In the community

Major Timothy Cocks was on the road within hours during Cyclone Gabrielle

Linton transport unit thrown in Gabrielle deep end

13 March 2023

People

Sergeant Rachel Ford quickly put a 102km ultramarathon behind her to help with the NZ Army response to Cyclone Gabrielle

NZ Army driver finds more in the tank to help with cyclone response

13 March 2023

People

RNZAF has key role in international aviation safety award win

13 March 2023

Organisation

Keeping supplies moving

10 March 2023

People

Defence Civilians earn placing in dragon boat festival

10 March 2023

People

Four Royal New Zealand Navy ships are now commanded by women, from left, Lieutenant Samara Mankelow (HMNZS Taupo), Commander Yvonne Gray (HMNZS Manawanui), Commander Bronwyn Heslop (HMNZS Canterbury) and Commander Fiona Jameson (HMNZS Te Kaha)

Women lead from the front in today’s Royal New Zealand Navy

08 March 2023

In the community

A Royal New Zealand Air Force Boeing 757-2K2 aircraft flies over the ocean but in the frame you can also see parts of land.

Air Force matches best practice in the world

07 March 2023

Media Release

Local Army Reserve Force soldiers rescue Esk Valley residents from raging floodwaters

07 March 2023

Media Release

RNZAF clocks up marathon flying effort during Cyclone Gabrielle response

07 March 2023

Media Release

A forklift loads supplies into the rear drop-down door of the RAAF C-27 Spartan at Base Auckland.

Nothing Spartan about Australia’s aid

07 March 2023

Ops & exercises

C-130 Hercules on its way

05 March 2023

Organisation

Mr George Brown from Bayview, grateful to see some soldiers from 5/7 Battalion. Private Williams passes him some supplies.

Hawke's Bay soldiers in middle of Gabrielle response

03 March 2023

People

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

Distinguished service honoured

03 March 2023

People

Squadron Anthony Leader Rose sitting inside the cockpit of a Texan aircraft

Invercargill man soars above old stomping grounds as Black Falcon

02 March 2023

People

RNZAF Hercules aircraft at Napier airport loading supplies and generators for Gisborne.

Hercules crews sustain cyclone-hit regions

01 March 2023

In the community

Army skills behind creation of distribution hub

01 March 2023

In the community

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

Fiji joins the effort to support Cyclone Gabrielle response

28 February 2023

In the community

See all stories

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

We 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 Māia (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.

HMNZS Ships Otago, Canterbury and Wellington sailing together on the sea.

Ships & watercraft

New Zealand Army soldiers fire a Carl Gustaf M3 there are flames out the back and motion shown out the front of the weapon. the soldiers are training in the tussock grass

Firepower

Aircraft

A New Zealand Army Light Armoured Vehicle (NZLAV) on the tussock grass in the Waiouru Military Training Area. In the background you can see a snow-capped Mt Ruapehu

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 Marks

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