Articles tagged with Defence Force
NZ Approves Two-Year Extension for Key NZDF International Peacekeeping Missions
3 days ago | 63 viewsThe New Zealand Government has approved two-year extensions for five international NZDF deployments, involving over 100 personnel in peacekeeping, monitoring, and security missions across the Middle East and North Asia. These deployments include contributions to the United Nations Command in Korea, the Multinational Force and Observers in Egypt, Middle East maritime security, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation, and North Korea sanctions monitoring. The extensions reflect New Zealand’s commitment to global security, regional stability, and ongoing collaboration with international partners.
Tags: Winston Peters Chris Penk New Zealand Defence Force United Nations Command Multinational Force and Observers United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation New Zealand Middle East North Korea EgyptDefence Minister Chris Penk to Attend Indo-Pacific Security Talks in Singapore
3 weeks ago | 254 viewsDefence Minister Chris Penk will attend the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore to engage in defence diplomacy and address security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. He plans to meet international counterparts and discuss enhancing collective efforts for regional security, stability, and prosperity. Emphasizing New Zealand’s commitment to a combat-capable defence force interoperable with partners, Penk highlights the importance of collaboration on issues like drug smuggling, illegal fishing, and climate-related disasters.
Tags: Chris Penk Defence Minister New Zealand Defence Force international security geostrategic challenges regional security diplomacy transnational securityNew Zealand Joins Multi-National Training Mission for Ukraine in Poland
4 weeks ago | 285 viewsThe New Zealand Defence Force has joined Operation LEGIO, a Norway-led multinational initiative in Poland to train Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel, demonstrating steadfast support for Ukraine against Russia’s invasion. This effort builds on New Zealand’s earlier involvement in Operation INTERFLEX and adapts to Ukraine’s evolving training needs near its borders. By collaborating with international partners, New Zealand aims to provide effective, high-quality training that significantly contributes to Ukraine’s defense and regional security.
Tags: New Zealand Defence Force Chris Penk Ukraine Poland Operation LEGIO Norway Operation INTERFLEX Operation TĪEKE NATO Armed Forces of UkraineNew Quality Homes Delivered Early for NZ Military Families Under Budget
1 month ago | 287 viewsDefence Minister Chris Penk announced the early and under-budget completion of 23 new, high-quality homes for military families across New Zealand Defence Force bases as part of the Homes for Families programme. This $7.8 million development addresses decades of underinvestment in outdated military housing, providing safe, modern living spaces that support personnel wellbeing and ease housing affordability pressures. The government plans to invest up to $600 million through the 2025 Defence Capability Plan to continue delivering these homes, boosting regional economic activity and improving conditions for Defence personnel and their families.
Tags: Chris Penk New Zealand Defence Force Homes for Families Linton Military Camp Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Ohakea Burnham Military Camp Defence Minister Penny Homes Devonport TrenthamDefence Minister Honors NZ Businesses Boosting National Security and Innovation
1 month ago | 296 viewsDefence Minister Chris Penk highlighted the vital role New Zealand businesses play in supporting national security by providing essential equipment, services, and infrastructure to the Defence Force. This year’s award recipients contribute to regional growth, innovation, and the Defence Capability Plan’s goals, which include doubling defence spending by 2025. Additionally, the Defence Industry Advisory Council has been revitalized with updated membership and terms to better align with government defence and economic priorities.
Tags: Chris Penk New Zealand Defence Force Ministry of Defence Defence Industry Advisory Council Defence Capability Plan Burnham Military Camp Minister of Defence Awards Defence spending Defence procurement Defence IndustryNew Zealand Advances Plan to Replace Aging Frigates and Boost Maritime Security
1 month ago | 346 viewsThe New Zealand Government is advancing plans to replace its aging Anzac-class frigates by the mid-2030s to maintain and enhance maritime security vital to the nation's economy and safety. As part of the Maritime Fleet Renewal programme, discussions are underway with the Royal Australian and United Kingdom navies to consider interoperable, combat-capable vessels like the Japanese Mogami-class and UK Type 31 frigates, with a final decision expected by 2027. Meanwhile, efforts continue to keep the current fleet operational, ensuring the Defence Force remains equipped to protect New Zealand’s interests, support partners, and respond to maritime challenges.
Tags: Chris Penk Royal New Zealand Navy New Zealand Defence Force Maritime Fleet Renewal Royal Australian Navy United Kingdom Royal Navy Type 31 frigates HMNZS Te KahaDefence Minister Chris Penk Strengthens NZ-Australia Military Alliance on First Overseas Trip
1 month ago | 353 viewsDefence Minister Chris Penk is visiting Australia to strengthen defence cooperation with New Zealand’s military ally and discuss developing a more integrated Anzac force. During his trip, he will meet with Australian Defence officials, visit New Zealand Defence personnel, and participate in Anzac commemorations marking 75 years of the alliance. The visit underscores the ongoing collaboration between the two militaries and the commitment to enhancing their partnership as outlined in the Anzac 2035 agreement.
Tags: Chris Penk Richard Marles New Zealand Australia Defence Minister Anzac New Zealand Defence Force Anzac Day Gallipoli Anzac 2035New Zealand and Cook Islands Sign Historic Defence & Security Declaration
2 months ago | 375 viewsNew Zealand and the Cook Islands have signed a Defence & Security Declaration to clarify and strengthen their special constitutional relationship, particularly regarding defence and security responsibilities amid a complex strategic environment. The Declaration resolves previous misunderstandings, restores New Zealand’s financial support to the Cook Islands, and establishes mutual commitments including consultation on defence matters, New Zealand’s role as the primary security partner, and cooperation on foreign policy within constitutional limits. Both nations have agreed not to engage with other partners in ways that would undermine these commitments, aiming to enhance their partnership and address shared challenges together.
Tags: New Zealand Cook Islands Winston Peters Norman Kirk Albert Henry Prime Minister Brown Defence & Security Declaration free association New Zealand Defence Force Letters PatentNew Zealand to Award Special Service Medal for Support to Ukraine
2 months ago | 404 viewsThe New Zealand Government will award the New Zealand Special Service Medal (Support to Ukraine) to Defence personnel who have supported Ukraine’s self-defence following the Russian invasion, recognizing their challenging and impactful service as part of Operation Tīeke. This medal, approved in principle by the Prime Minister and pending Governor-General approval, will be given to those with at least thirty days of qualifying service, highlighting New Zealand’s commitment to upholding the international rules-based order. The NZSSM honors special service involving significant risk and psychological impact, distinct from operational service, and has previously recognized efforts in hazardous or extraordinary circumstances.
Tags: Judith Collins Christopher Luxon New Zealand Defence Force Ukraine Operation Tīeke Operation Interflex New Zealand Special Service Medal NZSSM RussiaNew Zealand Prepares Consular Support and Evacuation Plans for Citizens in Middle East
3 months ago | 585 viewsThe New Zealand Government is actively preparing to assist citizens stranded in the Middle East amid ongoing conflict by pre-deploying consular staff and two Defence Force planes for potential evacuation operations. Due to closed airspace and limited flights, New Zealanders are advised to shelter in place or use safe opportunities to leave, while the government coordinates with consular partners and airlines. Around 3,000 New Zealanders are registered in the region, with a 24/7 Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade response operation in place to provide urgent assistance.
Tags: Winston Peters Judith Collins New Zealand Middle East New Zealand Defence Force consular staff civilian evacuation Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade SafeTravelNZ Defence Force to Trial Innovative Kiwi Drones Boosting Local Industry and Security
3 months ago | 648 viewsThe New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) will trial advanced drones from local company Syos Aerospace, supported by Sysdoc for training and Hirtenberger Defence Technology for system integration, to enhance military capabilities and boost the domestic defence industry. These trials will involve various drone types across air, land, and sea platforms in operational scenarios such as supply transport and maritime patrols, informing future capability decisions. This initiative aligns with the Defence Industry Strategy to build a resilient, innovative sector that reduces supply chain risks and supports economic growth through cutting-edge Kiwi technology.
Tags: Judith Collins Syos Aerospace Sysdoc Hirtenberger Defence Technology NZDF New Zealand Defence Force SG400 SM300 SA2 ISR SA7 droneGovernment Drives New Energy Projects with Long-Term Power Purchase Agreements
3 months ago | 592 viewsThe Government, led by Energy Minister Simon Watts, is using public sector energy demand to drive new energy projects through long-term Power Purchase Agreements with major public agencies. They aim to increase affordable, reliable energy supply from diverse technologies, including wind, solar, geothermal, and hydrogen, to reduce power bills and support faster project development. MBIE is conducting a feasibility study on streamlined solar procurement for government properties, with plans to issue a Request for Proposals by mid-2026 to accelerate implementation and increase energy generation.
Tags: Simon Watts Energy Minister Government Power Purchase Agreements Health New Zealand New Zealand Defence Force Department of Corrections MBIE renewable energy solar energyNew Military Health and Performance Centre Opens at Burnham Camp for NZDF
4 months ago | 594 viewsA new Military Health and Performance Centre, Tû Manawa Ora, has opened at Burnham Military Camp to enhance the health, wellbeing, and operational readiness of New Zealand Defence Force personnel by providing comprehensive medical, rehabilitation, psychological, and training services under one roof. The $22 million facility, completed in 18 months, aims to set a new standard for military healthcare infrastructure, supporting both prevention and treatment to improve retention and performance. Strategically located at the largest South Island military base, the centre reflects a strong commitment to caring for Defence personnel throughout their service and beyond.
Tags: Chris Penk New Zealand Defence Force Burnham Military Camp Tû Manawa Ora Hawkins New Zealand Ernst & Young GHD NZ Beca Defence Estate and Infrastructure Associate Defence MinisterNew Zealand and French Agencies Seize 4.24 Tonnes of Cocaine in Pacific Operation
4 months ago | 704 viewsNew Zealand agencies, including Customs, Defence Force, and GCSB, collaborated with French authorities and the US DEA to intercept 4.24 tonnes of cocaine in French Polynesia as part of Operation Kiwa. This operation is the first major success of the Transnational, Serious and Organised Crime (TSOC) Action Plan aimed at targeting maritime transnational crime networks in the Pacific. The campaign emphasizes international cooperation and enhanced intelligence and surveillance to protect New Zealand and its Pacific partners from organised crime.
Tags: Casey Costello New Zealand Customs Service New Zealand Defence Force Government Communications Security Bureau United States Drug Enforcement Agency French authorities Operation Kiwa Transnational Serious and Organised Crime French Polynesia New ZealandNZ Extends Defence Liaison Officer Deployment in Israel Amid Gaza Crisis
4 months ago | 691 viewsNew Zealand has extended the deployment of its Defence Force liaison officer to Israel by three months, until May 3, 2026. The extension aims to enhance understanding of the evolving and complex situation in Gaza as the peace plan progresses. The liaison officer will remain based in the US-led Civil Military Coordination Centre to inform future decisions on New Zealand’s contributions.
Tags: Judith Collins New Zealand Defence Force Gaza Israel NZDF liaison officer Defence Minister Civil Military Coordination Centre peace plan deployment extension New Zealand