Articles tagged with Defence Force
Defence Minister Chris Penk Strengthens NZ-Australia Military Alliance on First Overseas Trip
1 week ago | 137 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
1 month ago | 207 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
1 month ago | 221 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
2 months ago | 399 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
2 months ago | 441 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
2 months ago | 409 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
2 months ago | 402 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
2 months ago | 518 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
3 months ago | 520 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 ZealandNew Zealand and Japan Strengthen Defence Ties with New Security Agreements
4 months ago | 718 viewsNew Zealand and Japan have signed two key defence and security agreements to enhance logistical support and secure information sharing between their forces. The Defence Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement facilitates cooperation in areas like refuelling and humanitarian aid, while the Information Security Agreement establishes protocols for handling classified information. These agreements strengthen bilateral security cooperation, improve interoperability, and support regional stability amid rising international tensions.
Tags: New Zealand Japan Winston Peters Judith Collins Toshimitsu Motegi HMNZS Aotearoa Defence Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement Information Security Agreement New Zealand Defence ForceLieutenant General Rhys Jones Appointed Chair of National War Memorial Advisory Council
5 months ago | 532 viewsLieutenant General Rhys Jones has been appointed chair of the National War Memorial Advisory Council, bringing extensive military and governance experience from his 35-year Defence Force career and leadership roles in various organizations. He succeeds Fiona Cassidy and will serve until November 30, 2028. Additionally, Staff Sergeant Tina Grant and Colonel (Retired) Roger Howard have been reappointed as Council members with terms ending in 2028 and 2026, respectively.
Tags: Rhys Jones Paul Goldsmith Fiona Cassidy Tina Grant Roger Howard New Zealand Defence Force National War Memorial Advisory Council Royal New Zealand Returned Services Association Great War Exhibition Australasian Fire Authorities CouncilNew Zealand Extends Defence Liaison Officer Deployment to Israel for Gaza Peace Efforts
5 months ago | 508 viewsNew Zealand has extended the deployment of a Defence Force liaison officer to Israel for an additional eight weeks to enhance understanding of coordination efforts on the ground. The deployment aims to gather information to better assess future options for supporting sustained peace in Gaza. The liaison officer continues to operate within the US-led Civil Military Coordination Centre, with no decisions made beyond this extension.
Tags: New Zealand Defence Force Israel Judith Collins Gaza Defence Minister liaison officer Civil Military Coordination Centre deployment peace governmentNew Zealand's $2.5B Defence Infrastructure Plan Boosts Military and Jobs by 2040
5 months ago | 440 viewsThe New Zealand Government has launched the Defence Estate Portfolio Plan (DEPP), a $2.5 billion long-term initiative to modernise Defence Force infrastructure by 2040, addressing aging facilities and enhancing operational readiness. The plan includes the Future Naval Base Programme and five other key projects focused on upgrading critical infrastructure, housing, and training facilities to support military capability and personnel wellbeing. This investment not only strengthens national security but also creates construction jobs and economic opportunities across the country.
Tags: Chris Penk Defence Force New Zealand Defence Estate Portfolio Plan Future Naval Base Programme Royal New Zealand Navy Devonport Naval Base Defence Capability Plan Ōhakea Infrastructure Programme Defence Estate Regeneration ProgrammeDefence Minister Opens $58M Burnham Army Maintenance Facility and Logistics Hub
5 months ago | 467 viewsDefence Minister Judith Collins inaugurated a $58 million Army maintenance support facility at Burnham Military Camp, enhancing equipment repair capacity and safety, delivered ahead of schedule and under budget. Construction also began on an $82.7 million multi-functional regional supply facility at Burnham, which will serve as a modern logistics hub and provide around 600 jobs during its development. Both facilities are part of the New Zealand Defence Force’s Consolidated Logistics Project, aimed at upgrading logistics infrastructure across Burnham and Linton Military Camps to support operational readiness and personnel.
Tags: Judith Collins New Zealand Defence Force Burnham Military Camp Linton Military Camp Defence Capability Plan Consolidated Logistics Project Regional Logistics Centre Army maintenance support facility Defence Minister Defence logisticsNew Zealand Passes Defence Bill to Protect Security During Industrial Action
5 months ago | 557 viewsThe Defence (Workforce) Amendment Bill, passed to maintain national security during industrial action, allows the Chief of Defence Force greater flexibility to manage workforce redeployment without requiring parliamentary debate. It enables uniformed personnel to temporarily perform the duties of civilian staff during strikes, ensuring critical defence functions continue while preserving the right to industrial action. The Bill also streamlines authorisation processes and extends ministerial powers to backfill public servant roles, enhancing New Zealand’s defence readiness amid a challenging strategic environment.
Tags: Judith Collins New Zealand Defence Force NZDF Defence Minister Parliament industrial action national security Defence (Workforce) Amendment Bill military personnel