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📰 A Pacific patrol by one of our P-8A Poseidon aircraft, that was aimed at providing maritime domain awareness of threats posed by illegal fishing, responded to an emergency yesterday, successfully completing a search and rescue operation for a missing fisherman.
New Zealand’s Chief of Defence Force observes Search and Rescue near Tokelau, and Pacific patrol near Cook Islands
A Pacific patrol by a P-8A Poseidon aircraft, that was aimed at providing maritime domain awareness of threats posed by illegal fishing, responded to an emergency yesterday, successfully completing a…
www.nzdf.mil.nz
December 19, 2025 at 12:52 AM
STORY📰 A Pacific patrol by one of our P-8A Poseidon aircraft, that was aimed at providing maritime domain awareness of threats posed by illegal fishing, responded to an emergency yesterday, successfully completing a search and rescue operation for a missing fisherman.
STORY📰 Chief of Army Major General Rose King reflects on the successes, achievements and challenges of 2025, as the #NZArmy looks ahead to the opportunities 2026 will offer.
2025 in review - another significant year for Ngāti Tūmatauenga
Chief of Army Major General Rose King reflects on the successes, achievements and challenges of 2025, as the New Zealand Army looks ahead to the opportunities 2026 will offer.
www.nzdf.mil.nz
December 18, 2025 at 10:11 PM
STORY📰 Chief of Army Major General Rose King reflects on the successes, achievements and challenges of 2025, as the #NZArmy looks ahead to the opportunities 2026 will offer.
STORY📰 New Zealand’s worst naval tragedy occurred in 1941 when HMS Neptune struck mines off the coast of Libya and sunk with the loss of all but one of her 764 crew. 150 New Zealand sailors went down with the ship.
HMS Neptune tragedy
New Zealand’s worst naval tragedy occurred in 1941 when HMS Neptune struck mines off the coast of Libya and sunk with the loss of all but one of her 764 crew. 150 New Zealand sailors went down with…
www.nzdf.mil.nz
December 18, 2025 at 8:19 PM
STORY📰 New Zealand’s worst naval tragedy occurred in 1941 when HMS Neptune struck mines off the coast of Libya and sunk with the loss of all but one of her 764 crew. 150 New Zealand sailors went down with the ship.
STORY📰 Pack marching, digging a shell scrape and learning to navigate unknown terrain while on leave from employment or university isn’t everyone’s idea of enjoyment but the 92 #NZArmy Reserve Force soldiers graduating this month have taken it in their stride.
Intense six weeks produces motivated reservists
Pack marching, digging a shell scrape and learning to navigate unknown terrain while on leave from employment or university isn’t everyone’s idea of enjoyment but the 92 Army Reserve Force soldiers…
www.nzdf.mil.nz
December 18, 2025 at 8:14 PM
STORY📰 Pack marching, digging a shell scrape and learning to navigate unknown terrain while on leave from employment or university isn’t everyone’s idea of enjoyment but the 92 #NZArmy Reserve Force soldiers graduating this month have taken it in their stride.
STORY📰 The warmth that comes with New Zealand camaraderie and moral support is more than enough against a touch of homesickness and colder weather, say two newly minted Tongan Navy officers.
Tongan junior officers graduate from Royal New Zealand Navy course
The warmth that comes with New Zealand camaraderie and moral support is more than enough against a touch of homesickness and colder weather, say two newly minted Tongan Navy officers.
www.nzdf.mil.nz
December 18, 2025 at 8:12 PM
STORY📰 The warmth that comes with New Zealand camaraderie and moral support is more than enough against a touch of homesickness and colder weather, say two newly minted Tongan Navy officers.
STORY📰 Signing up for the Limited Service Volunteer (LSV) course turned out to be one of the best things to have happened to Liam Hepi, taking him from unemployment to a promising career with the #NZNavy.
Limited Service Volunteer from Whanganui finds his true calling in the Navy
Signing up for the Limited Service Volunteer (LSV) course turned out to be one of the best things to have happened to Liam Hepi, taking him from unemployment to a promising career with the Royal New…
www.nzdf.mil.nz
December 17, 2025 at 8:25 PM
STORY📰 Signing up for the Limited Service Volunteer (LSV) course turned out to be one of the best things to have happened to Liam Hepi, taking him from unemployment to a promising career with the #NZNavy.
STORY📰 There was a special break from tradition for former Feilding High School student Flying Officer Molly Alcock, one of five pilots who received their wings at Base Ohakea on Thursday after completing the 24/1 pilot training course.
Father and daughter duo navigate pilot training
There was a special break from tradition for former Feilding High School student Flying Officer Molly Alcock, one of five pilots who received their wings at Base Ohakea on Thursday after completing…
www.nzdf.mil.nz
December 16, 2025 at 8:10 PM
STORY📰 There was a special break from tradition for former Feilding High School student Flying Officer Molly Alcock, one of five pilots who received their wings at Base Ohakea on Thursday after completing the 24/1 pilot training course.
STORY📰 A former #Nelson man has received a commendation after saving two lives during a major international exercise in the #Pacific.
Nelson local honoured for life-saving actions overseas
A former Nelson man has received a commendation after saving two lives during a major international exercise in the Pacific.
www.nzdf.mil.nz
December 16, 2025 at 12:23 AM
STORY📰 Every year, a small team of New Zealand Defence Force photographers stands at high readiness, deploying on training grounds at home, to operations and exercises around the world.
Take a look at the photographer moments for 2025.
Take a look at the photographer moments for 2025.
Photographer Moments
Every year, a small team of NZDF photographers stands at high readiness, deploying on training grounds at home, to operations and exercises around the world.
www.nzdf.mil.nz
December 14, 2025 at 7:36 PM
STORY📰 Every year, a small team of New Zealand Defence Force photographers stands at high readiness, deploying on training grounds at home, to operations and exercises around the world.
Take a look at the photographer moments for 2025.
Take a look at the photographer moments for 2025.
STORY📰 A recent exercise across the Tasman provided #NZArmy personnel with a valuable opportunity to deploy bulk fuel capabilities with their Australian counterparts on Exercise Overland Nautical Petros.
NZ Army soldiers hone their ability to fuel the fight
A recent exercise across the Tasman provided New Zealand Army personnel with a valuable opportunity to deploy bulk fuel capabilities with their Australian counterparts on Exercise Overland Nautical…
www.nzdf.mil.nz
December 14, 2025 at 7:32 PM
STORY📰 A recent exercise across the Tasman provided #NZArmy personnel with a valuable opportunity to deploy bulk fuel capabilities with their Australian counterparts on Exercise Overland Nautical Petros.
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.