New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF)
@nzdf.mil.nz
Te Ope Kātua O Aotearoa | New Zealand Defence Force
Home of #NZNavy, #NZArmy & #NZAirForce
Home of #NZNavy, #NZArmy & #NZAirForce
STORY📰 In 1939, more than 320 New Zealand naval officers and ratings were aboard the cruiser HMS Achilles when it joined the hunt for a German ‘Pocket Battleship’ in the South Atlantic.
Remembering River Plate
More than 320 New Zealand naval officers and ratings were aboard the cruiser HMS Achilles when it joined the hunt for a German ‘Pocket Battleship’ in the South Atlantic.
www.nzdf.mil.nz
December 12, 2025 at 9:43 PM
STORY📰 In 1939, more than 320 New Zealand naval officers and ratings were aboard the cruiser HMS Achilles when it joined the hunt for a German ‘Pocket Battleship’ in the South Atlantic.
STORY📰 Friends, family, haka, senior defence leaders and the Royal New Zealand Navy band were all on show on the wharves at Devonport Naval Base today to welcome home HMNZS Aotearoa and its 80-strong ship’s company who have been deployed at sea since late March.
HMNZS Aotearoa welcomed home after eight-month deployment
Friends, family, haka, senior defence leaders and the Royal New Zealand Navy band were all on show on the wharves at Devonport Naval Base today to welcome home HMNZS Aotearoa and its 80-strong ship’s…
www.nzdf.mil.nz
December 12, 2025 at 1:14 AM
STORY📰 Friends, family, haka, senior defence leaders and the Royal New Zealand Navy band were all on show on the wharves at Devonport Naval Base today to welcome home HMNZS Aotearoa and its 80-strong ship’s company who have been deployed at sea since late March.
STORY📰 New Zealand’s ability to launch assistance to its Pacific neighbours in the event of a disaster has been tested at #NZAirForce Base Auckland, where several agencies strengthened their readiness for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in the region.
RNZAF Base Auckland exercise tests ‘NZ Inc’ ability to launch Pacific disaster response
New Zealand’s ability to launch assistance to its Pacific neighbours in the event of a disaster has been tested at Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Base Auckland.
www.nzdf.mil.nz
December 11, 2025 at 2:39 AM
STORY📰 New Zealand’s ability to launch assistance to its Pacific neighbours in the event of a disaster has been tested at #NZAirForce Base Auckland, where several agencies strengthened their readiness for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in the region.
STORY📰 A last-minute personnel change saw #NZNavy Sub Lieutenant Manukura Ngawaka step into a commander’s role for the largest United States Navy humanitarian and civil assistance mission in the Indo-Pacific.
New Zealand Defence Force personnel support largest US Navy humanitarian and civil assistance mission
A last-minute personnel change saw Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) Sub Lieutenant Manukura Ngawaka step into a commander’s role for the largest United States Navy humanitarian and civil assistance…
www.nzdf.mil.nz
December 10, 2025 at 9:16 PM
STORY📰 A last-minute personnel change saw #NZNavy Sub Lieutenant Manukura Ngawaka step into a commander’s role for the largest United States Navy humanitarian and civil assistance mission in the Indo-Pacific.
STORY📰 The New Zealand Defence Force has bolstered enforcement of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions against North Korea, deploying the #NZNavy and #NZAirForce on Operation Whio.
NZDF bolsters North Korea sanctions enforcement with HMNZS Aotearoa and P-8A Poseidon
The New Zealand Defence Force has bolstered enforcement of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions against North Korea, deploying the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) and Royal New Zealand Air…
www.nzdf.mil.nz
December 8, 2025 at 12:08 AM
STORY📰 The New Zealand Defence Force has bolstered enforcement of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions against North Korea, deploying the #NZNavy and #NZAirForce on Operation Whio.
NEWS📢 A newly-formed unit of the New Zealand Army, Ngāti Tūmatauenga has formally been called to attention today.
NZ Army evolves with creation of new Motorised Infantry Battalion at Linton Military Camp
A newly-formed unit of the New Zealand Army, Ngāti Tūmatauenga has formally been called to attention today.
www.nzdf.mil.nz
December 5, 2025 at 5:24 AM
NEWS📢 A newly-formed unit of the New Zealand Army, Ngāti Tūmatauenga has formally been called to attention today.
STORY📰 Firefighting is a passion for a #Blenheim man serving in both the local volunteer fire brigade and as an Aviation Rescue Firefighter in the #NZAirForce.
Blenheim aviator combines passion for firefighting with military service
Firefighting is a passion for a Blenheim man serving in both the local volunteer fire brigade and as an Aviation Rescue Firefighter in the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF).
www.nzdf.mil.nz
December 5, 2025 at 3:19 AM
STORY📰 Firefighting is a passion for a #Blenheim man serving in both the local volunteer fire brigade and as an Aviation Rescue Firefighter in the #NZAirForce.
STORY📰 A #NZNavy sailor who has shown exceptional leadership, and strengthened morale, cohesion and trust, has been named our Person of the Year. Acting Petty Officer Marine Technician Kristen Kotuhi (Ngāti Raukawa), is also the Sailor of the Year.
2025 NZDF Person of the Year – Sailor shows exceptional leadership and technical mastery
A Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) sailor who has shown exceptional leadership, and strengthened morale, cohesion and trust, has been named the New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) Person of the Year.
www.nzdf.mil.nz
December 4, 2025 at 10:51 PM
STORY📰 A #NZNavy sailor who has shown exceptional leadership, and strengthened morale, cohesion and trust, has been named our Person of the Year. Acting Petty Officer Marine Technician Kristen Kotuhi (Ngāti Raukawa), is also the Sailor of the Year.
STORY📰 For #NZNavy Physical Training Instructor, Petty Officer Deena-Ranginui Puketapu, sport has never been just a pastime - it has been the heartbeat of her life, her connection to whānau, and the vehicle that has taken her from Hawke’s Bay to the world stage.
Dedicated team player balances elite Sport with Service to deliver impressive multi-sport season
For Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) Physical Training Instructor, Petty Officer Deena-Ranginui Puketapu, sport has never been just a pastime.
www.nzdf.mil.nz
December 3, 2025 at 6:52 AM
STORY📰 For #NZNavy Physical Training Instructor, Petty Officer Deena-Ranginui Puketapu, sport has never been just a pastime - it has been the heartbeat of her life, her connection to whānau, and the vehicle that has taken her from Hawke’s Bay to the world stage.
NEWS📢 New Zealanders wishing to attend #AnzacDay services in #Gallipoli, #Türkiye, are now invited to register to receive their attendance pass for the 2026 commemorations.
Registration opens for 2026 Gallipoli services in Türkiye
New Zealanders wishing to attend Anzac Day services in Gallipoli, Türkiye, are now invited to register to receive their attendance pass for the 2026 commemorations.
www.nzdf.mil.nz
December 2, 2025 at 8:36 PM
NEWS📢 New Zealanders wishing to attend #AnzacDay services in #Gallipoli, #Türkiye, are now invited to register to receive their attendance pass for the 2026 commemorations.
STORY📰 A new design for a significantly cost-effective solution for the secure tracking of friendly forces has earned #NZArmy Signaller Benjamin Haddley the 2025 New Zealand Defence Force Innovation of the Year award.
NZ Army soldier designs secure, cost-effective tracking innovation to win award
Communication on the battlefield is often pivotal for mission success.
www.nzdf.mil.nz
December 2, 2025 at 12:44 AM
STORY📰 A new design for a significantly cost-effective solution for the secure tracking of friendly forces has earned #NZArmy Signaller Benjamin Haddley the 2025 New Zealand Defence Force Innovation of the Year award.
STORY📰 #NZNavy Marine Technician Acting Petty Officer Kristen Kotuhi (Ngāti Raukawa) has been named the 2025 Sailor of the Year, for her professionalism, outstanding leadership and technical mastery.
RNZN Sailor of the Year lives core values
Royal New Zealand Navy Marine Technician Acting Petty Officer Kristen Kotuhi (Ngāti Raukawa) has been named the 2025 New Zealand Defence Force Sailor of the Year, for her professionalism, outstanding…
www.nzdf.mil.nz
December 1, 2025 at 5:16 PM
STORY📰 #NZNavy Marine Technician Acting Petty Officer Kristen Kotuhi (Ngāti Raukawa) has been named the 2025 Sailor of the Year, for her professionalism, outstanding leadership and technical mastery.
NEWS📢 This summer, our Defence Force, in partnership with the Ministry for Primary Industries, will conduct maritime patrols in the Southern Ocean to help protect Antarctic marine ecosystems and economically important fish stocks.
Southern Ocean Surveillance Patrols: New Zealand’s commitment to upholding Antarctic conservation rules
This summer, the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), in partnership with the Ministry for Primary Industries, will conduct maritime patrols in the Southern Ocean to help protect Antarctic marine…
www.nzdf.mil.nz
December 1, 2025 at 5:13 PM
NEWS📢 This summer, our Defence Force, in partnership with the Ministry for Primary Industries, will conduct maritime patrols in the Southern Ocean to help protect Antarctic marine ecosystems and economically important fish stocks.
STORY📰 Exercise Tūhono Rangi, a landmark joint training operation with the German Air Force, has wrapped up for our Defence Force, marking a significant step in strengthening interoperability and international defence cooperation.
Landmark exercise with German Air Force delivers benefits for New Zealand
Exercise Tūhono Rangi, a landmark joint training operation with the German Air Force (GAF), has wrapped up for the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), marking a significant step in strengthening…
www.nzdf.mil.nz
November 30, 2025 at 8:45 AM
STORY📰 Exercise Tūhono Rangi, a landmark joint training operation with the German Air Force, has wrapped up for our Defence Force, marking a significant step in strengthening interoperability and international defence cooperation.
STORY📰 Over the course of a two-week period, engineers from the #NZArmy built concrete bunkers, blew up bridges, established safe drinking water sources and conducted significant search patrols across the Waiouru Military Training Area.
Ex Dragon’s Tooth tests Combat Engineers in Waiouru
Over the course of a two-week period, engineers from the New Zealand Army built concrete bunkers, blew up bridges, established safe drinking water sources and conducted significant search patrols…
www.nzdf.mil.nz
November 28, 2025 at 1:21 AM
STORY📰 Over the course of a two-week period, engineers from the #NZArmy built concrete bunkers, blew up bridges, established safe drinking water sources and conducted significant search patrols across the Waiouru Military Training Area.
STORY📰 Royal New Zealand Air Force and Ngāti Tūmatauenga New Zealand Army units tested their joint interoperability in the field recently, simulating firing on the enemy, clearing ordnance and moving injured colleagues to waiting helicopters loaded with flares.
Maintaining the safe ground
Royal New Zealand Air Force and Ngāti Tūmatauenga New Zealand Army units tested their joint interoperability in the field recently, simulating firing on the enemy, clearing ordnance and moving…
www.nzdf.mil.nz
November 28, 2025 at 1:16 AM
STORY📰 Royal New Zealand Air Force and Ngāti Tūmatauenga New Zealand Army units tested their joint interoperability in the field recently, simulating firing on the enemy, clearing ordnance and moving injured colleagues to waiting helicopters loaded with flares.
NEWS📢 Three years after the government confirmed the home of the #NZNavy would remain in Devonport, an initial investment of $25 million has been announced by the government for design and planning on the first tranche of works.
First shot fired in redevelopment of Naval Base
Three years after the government confirmed the Home of the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) would remain in Devonport, an initial investment of $25 million has been announced by the government for…
www.nzdf.mil.nz
November 25, 2025 at 11:59 PM
NEWS📢 Three years after the government confirmed the home of the #NZNavy would remain in Devonport, an initial investment of $25 million has been announced by the government for design and planning on the first tranche of works.
STORY📰 For more than three decades Mark Taylor has been the cornerstone of the #NZNavy’s combat system simulation capability, both in uniform and as a civilian.
Navy combat simulator specialist named NZDF Civilian of the Year
For more than three decades Mark Taylor has been the cornerstone of the Royal New Zealand Navy’s combat system simulation capability, both in uniform and as a civilian.
www.nzdf.mil.nz
November 25, 2025 at 1:48 AM
STORY📰 For more than three decades Mark Taylor has been the cornerstone of the #NZNavy’s combat system simulation capability, both in uniform and as a civilian.
STORY📰 Ariana Blackwood first visited the Waiouru Military Training Area as a scientist testing the river water. She loved the environment so much she enlisted in the #NZArmy and six years later has been named New Zealand Army Soldier of the Year 2025.
High-achieving Electronics Technician named NZ Army Soldier of the Year 2025
Ariana Blackwood first visited the Waiouru Military Training Area as a scientist testing the river water. She loved the environment so much she enlisted in the New Zealand Army and six years later…
www.nzdf.mil.nz
November 24, 2025 at 2:48 AM
STORY📰 Ariana Blackwood first visited the Waiouru Military Training Area as a scientist testing the river water. She loved the environment so much she enlisted in the #NZArmy and six years later has been named New Zealand Army Soldier of the Year 2025.
STORY📰 Ngāti Tūmatauenga, the #NZArmy recently hosted representatives from two key Five Power Defence Agreement partners - Singapore and the United Kingdom - in a series of high-level staff talks.
Back-to-back staff talks reinforce strength of traditional partnerships
Ngāti Tūmatauenga, the New Zealand Army recently hosted representatives from two key Five Power Defence Agreement partners - Singapore and the United Kingdom - in a series of high-level staff talks.
www.nzdf.mil.nz
November 23, 2025 at 7:04 PM
STORY📰 Ngāti Tūmatauenga, the #NZArmy recently hosted representatives from two key Five Power Defence Agreement partners - Singapore and the United Kingdom - in a series of high-level staff talks.
STORY📰 Safety for Sergeant Natalie McGovern, has never been paperwork – it’s about operational readiness.
NZDF top safety award recipient leads from the front to keep people safe and operational ready
Safety for Sergeant Natalie McGovern, has never been paperwork – it’s about operational readiness.
www.nzdf.mil.nz
November 21, 2025 at 2:58 AM
STORY📰 Safety for Sergeant Natalie McGovern, has never been paperwork – it’s about operational readiness.
NEWS 📰 A six-year lease-to-buy deal to acquire replacement strategic transport aircraft for the Royal New Zealand Air Force has been signed, and the livery for the new aircraft has been unveiled.
View the livery ⬇️
View the livery ⬇️
Lease and livery developments for RNZAF Boeing 757 replacements
A six-year lease-to-buy deal to acquire replacement strategic transport aircraft for the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) has been signed, and the livery for the new aircraft has been unveiled.
nzdf.mil.nz
November 21, 2025 at 1:38 AM
NEWS 📰 A six-year lease-to-buy deal to acquire replacement strategic transport aircraft for the Royal New Zealand Air Force has been signed, and the livery for the new aircraft has been unveiled.
View the livery ⬇️
View the livery ⬇️
STORY📰 Adaptability, discipline and people skills are all part of serving in the New Zealand Cadet Forces, says the New Zealand Defence Force’s Cadet of the Year for 2025.
Leadership and community service drive Cadet of the Year
Adaptability, discipline and people skills are all part of serving in the New Zealand Cadet Forces (NZCF), says the New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) Cadet of the Year for 2025.
www.nzdf.mil.nz
November 20, 2025 at 1:43 AM
STORY📰 Adaptability, discipline and people skills are all part of serving in the New Zealand Cadet Forces, says the New Zealand Defence Force’s Cadet of the Year for 2025.
STORY📰 Lance Corporal Sophie Toohey says she was “really surprised” to be named the New Zealand Defence Force Reservist of the Year for 2025, and that it feels really rewarding to have such recognition.
From training soldiers to chasing her wings - Army Reserve Force soldier named Reservist of the Year
Lance Corporal Sophie Toohey says she was “really surprised” to be named the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) Reservist of the Year for 2025, and that it feels really rewarding to have such…
www.nzdf.mil.nz
November 19, 2025 at 2:10 AM
STORY📰 Lance Corporal Sophie Toohey says she was “really surprised” to be named the New Zealand Defence Force Reservist of the Year for 2025, and that it feels really rewarding to have such recognition.
STORY📰 A #PalmerstonNorth man has held off an Australian challenge to emerge the winner of the 1st Battalion RNZIR Top Soldier competition for the #NZArmy.
Ultra-marathon training pays off for infantry competition winner
A Palmerston North man has held off an Australian challenge to emerge the winner of the 1st Battalion RNZIR Top Soldier competition for the New Zealand Army, Ngāti Tūmatauenga.
www.nzdf.mil.nz
November 18, 2025 at 9:52 PM
STORY📰 A #PalmerstonNorth man has held off an Australian challenge to emerge the winner of the 1st Battalion RNZIR Top Soldier competition for the #NZArmy.