News

Flying into the smoke of the Gulf War

15 January, 2021

Tom Tuke was a 23-year-old flying officer captaining a C-130 Hercules when he deployed as part of 40 Squadron to the Gulf War. 40 Squadron originally deployed with three crews but this increased to four later on due to the high tempo of flying.

Survey flights over Fiji completed after tropical cyclone Yasa

21 December, 2020

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has successfully completed two survey flights of Fiji and remains ready to respond to those affected by Tropical Cyclone Yasa.

Rotorua brothers begin Navy legacy for family

17 December, 2020

In the wake of a tourism downturn in Rotorua, two brothers have moved from a performing arts family business to embrace careers in the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN).

Flying high, above and through the water

16 December, 2020

Leading Aircraftman Patrick Haybittle is keen to get to sea to help his helicopters fly, but as well as being a high-flyer above the waves, he may also be winging his way towards the Olympics in an emerging sport. 

Change of leadership at MIQ

14 December, 2020

New Zealand Army Brigadier Jim Bliss took on a new challenge today, as the new head of Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ).

Third deployment enforcing sanctions against North Korea successfully completed

14 December, 2020

Crew on a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3K2 Orion have successfully completed maritime patrols in support of international efforts to monitor sanctions against North Korea, reporting vessels of interest and illicit ship-to-ship transfers to authorities.

First Military Working Dog handler in the RNZAF

14 December, 2020

Roger Parton says his next door neighbour before joining the Royal New Zealand Air Force was a Police dog handler and he liked dogs himself so it was a natural fit to apply for the first RNZAF Military Working Dog handler course in 1966.

First female member of the RNZAF Police

14 December, 2020

Denise Oakenfull always wanted to be a policewoman. After finishing school she worked in the Police Records department at the Wellington police station. Back in the 1970s you couldn’t join the Police until you were 21 and it was recommended to her that she should join one of the defence services to gain experience. 

South Island soldiers set sights on the skies with RNZAF

11 December, 2020

Two former New Zealand Army soldiers are embarking on new careers as pilots in the Royal New Zealand Air Force.