The New Zealand Defence Force is a fully integrated military and civilian organisation. NZDF employs around 9,000 people in the regular force, 2,500 in the territorial force, and approximately 2,500 civilians across the armed services of Navy, Army and Air Force. Our vision of Joint Operational Excellence - means we are integrated in the way we work, train and operate at home and abroad.
Civilians are an important part of the Defence Force team. They play a key role in meeting the Defence Force's primary mission, supporting Defence activities at all levels, often bringing specialist expertise and performing a wide range of functions to enhance overall defence capabilities. The Defence Force comprises Headquarters, the three Services (Army, Navy and Air Force), and Joint Command. Each part has specific roles and resources to help meet the Defence Force mission. The Chief of Defence Force (CDF), the three single Service Chiefs, and the Joint Force Commander, lead the Defence team.
HQ is the command, policy and administrative centre in Wellington, providing overall direction and management of the whole of the New Zealand Defence Force.
The New Zealand Army provides a land combat force consisting of infantry, light armoured vehicles, and reconnaissance, artillery, engineering, signals and logistic units.
The Royal New Zealand Navy is responsible for the maritime defence of New Zealand and its interests, and operates ocean-going frigates, Seasprite helicopters and a replenishment ship. It also has a hydrographic and oceanographic research ship, a diving team, and has the capability to patrol in inshore and offshore waters.
The Royal New Zealand Air Force provides maritime surveillance and reconnaissance using the Orion, Hercules and Boeing aircraft to provide long range and tactical air transport and Iroquois helicopters which support ground forces and civil authorities.
Joint Forces New Zealand coordinates all joint military operations in New Zealand and overseas, enabling closer co-operation across the three Services in planning and executing operations.
Veterans' Affairs New Zealand (VANZ) is an operational unit within the New Zealand Defence Force and exists to meet government's obligation to veterans through the provision of policy advice to the government and service delivery to the veteran community.