It is our job to serve New Zealand from the skies. To do this we have a fleet of diverse aircraft, ready to take to the air at a moment’s notice. By the very nature of the fact that our role is predominantly airborne, careers with us invariably involve working with complex, cutting-edge technology.

The Air Force remains an essential part of our Defence Force and is responsible for:

• Transportation and logistics

• Maritime surveillance

• Search and Rescue

• Disaster Relief

• Peacekeeping

• Civil Assistance

• Antarctic Support

Duties

We are involved in many different types of operations. In New Zealand, our P3K Orions and Iroquois helicopters are on standby 24-7 to conduct search and rescue operations. Or we might be called upon to fly in supplies after a natural disaster, be it floods, storms or earthquakes.

Our aircraft support the Navy in patrolling the waters, guarding against drug, piracy and terror threats, as well as illegal fishing. We support our colleagues in the Army too, helping them move personnel and equipment. Our Iroquois helicopters also help the police to prevent criminal activities.

From Antarctica to Sudan, Timor-Leste to South Korea, our expertise is called upon across the world, supporting the UN and our allies on a wide variety of missions. Currently, we’re serving 18 peacekeeping operations. Find out how you can make a difference.