Working in Defence
Ways of Working
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is committed to helping its people balance professional and personal life. Discover how flexible work arrangements, leave options, and supportive policies create opportunities for a rewarding and balanced career.
Managing work and personal commitments
Balancing work and personal commitments can be challenging, especially in roles that may require time away from home for courses, exercises, or deployments. The NZDF understands the importance of family, friends, and personal time in maintaining the wellbeing of our people.
To support this balance, our Flexible Work Arrangements Policy has provisions for adjustments to work hours, days, patterns, and locations, helping individuals tailor their schedules to fit their unique circumstances. Whether you’re seeking flexible hours or exploring alternative options, we offer comprehensive guidance to help you navigate these opportunities and find the right solution.
Personal Journeys
“Being able to work flexibly allowed me to spend more time at home with my young family, when my sons were just one and three years old and my wife was deployed overseas. I got the best of both worlds: playing a bigger part in their lives, whilst still getting the satisfaction of contributing at work. The experience made me better at my job too; appreciating what my value-add was when time is limited, as well as better understanding the challenges experienced by our military whānau.”
Lieutenant Colonel Dan Swale
NZ Army Liaison Officer, Canberra
Holidays and time off
We understand how important it is to take time away from work to focus on the things that matter most to you. The New Zealand Defence Force offers a range of leave options to suit diverse needs, including annual leave, special leave, and other types of time off to accommodate personal or family situations.
Whether it’s planning a holiday, attending an important life event, or taking time to recharge, the Defence Force provides options to help our people manage their priorities effectively.
Work locations
The New Zealand Defence Force operates across a wide range of locations, including Camps and Bases throughout New Zealand as well as several overseas postings.
Each location offers a unique environment, culture, and opportunities, empowering our people to make a meaningful impact and grow in their roles while contributing to Defence’s vital mission.
Tools and equipment
At NZDF, we know that access to high-quality tools and equipment is essential for delivering excellent results. Our commitment to equipping our people with state-of-the-art resources ensures they can perform their roles efficiently and effectively, whether in the field, in the office, or on deployment.
We continuously invest in technology and resources to enable our personnel to meet the challenges of today while preparing for the demands of tomorrow.
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