Culture & Lived Experience
Operation Respect
Operation Respect is the New Zealand Defence Force’s long‑term commitment to creating safe, respectful, and professional environments where all personnel can perform at their best.
Launched in 2016, Operation Respect focuses on strengthening behaviours, leadership, and systems to prevent and respond to harmful sexual behaviour and other forms of unacceptable behaviour, including bullying, harassment, and discrimination. This work supports trust, wellbeing, and accountability across NZDF, helping sustain capability, retain experience, and maintain operational readiness—both at home and overseas.
NZDF continues to learn from experience, feedback, and independent review to strengthen its approach to Operation Respect. Over time, this has helped clarify expectations, improve oversight, and strengthen leadership accountability at all levels.
Most NZDF personnel report feeling safe and respected at work. NZDF also recognises that experiences are not the same for everyone and remains committed to continuous improvement to ensure consistent standards across the organisation.
Operation Respect continues to evolve, with ongoing work to strengthen strategy, set clear goals, and support leaders to uphold safe and respectful environments.
Why this is important!
Safe and respectful environments are essential to operational effectiveness. When unacceptable behaviours are prevented and addressed, and people trust their leaders and systems, NZDF is better able to:
- Maintain readiness and resilience
- Retain skilled and experienced personnel
- Build cohesive teams that perform under pressure
- Meet its responsibilities to New Zealand and internationally
Operation Respect continues to evolve as NZDF strengthens leadership capability, reinforces standards, and builds workplaces that support its people and operational effectiveness.
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