Visit the Apply Now page of this website to register your interest and begin the application process.

The Defence Force offers a variety of both civilian and military-based skills for each trade. For example, if you joined the Army as a plumber you would first learn how to complete domestic trade work within a camp environment, just as a civilian plumber would, before learning how to provide the same services in a field situation. We place particular emphasis upon developing initiative and problem-solving skills.  The same could be said of a chef in the Navy or an avionics technician in the Air Force.

If you're playing top-level sports of any kind, we will usually be able to ensure you get the opportunity to compete. We have sportsmen and women who compete at national and international level, as well as fulfilling their regular duties.  The drive to win and teamwork are core to the Defence Force and so we encourage all personnel to get involved in team sports whenever they can.

While you're undertaking your training, you will be given plenty of time to remain in contact with family and friends by mail or pay telephone. 

That depends on how long your hair is when you join. But in general for women: Short hair should be 15mm above the collar if you have a bob-style haircut Long hair should be tied up so that it sits 15mm above the collar Ponytails can only be worn during personal time in the barracks and when not in uniform No hair should show on the forehead when a beret or hat is worn. For men: Hair should be no longer than 15mm above the collar, and no shorter than a number 2 comb haircut Sideburns must be neatly-trimmed and not extend below the middle of the ear.

You are allowed to wear a plain signet ring, engagement ring and/or wedding ring. Only women are allowed to wear earrings, which should be one pair of plain studs only. No other body piercing is allowed. It is recommended that you have a sturdy, waterproof wristwatch.

The Defence Force has a high dependence on trust and use of technical equipment and, in some cases weapons, and looks for recruits who are trustworthy and reliable. For this reason, all applicants undergo a police records check, and any convictions are assessed on the on the severity of the offence.

You can be enlisted into the New Zealand Defence Force as a Commonwealth and non-Commonwealth citizen provided you meet some additional criteria, but personnel need to be New Zealand citizens eligible to hold New Zealand passports in order to be deployed overseas on operational service. 

If you join on a standard engagement, you can serve for a guaranteed period of fifteen years, providing you maintain your medical grading and service efficiency

Although minimum age is 17, you can start the application process before turning 17. Some careers in the Defence Force have a higher age limit, but we can advise you about that if it applies. You can call us on 0800 1FORCE for further clarification.

You will be required to wear uniform during the normal working day and if you are required for duty. You are not required to wear uniform out of hours.

Throughout the Defence Force, physical fitness is important and maintained at a high level. You need to be fit to do your job well and you need the energy reserves to respond to any emergency situations. This doesn’t just mean being physically strong – we need total fitness. As part of your application you will have to undertake fitness tests. These tests vary depending on the role you are applying for, visit Navy, Army or Air Force to see what tests apply for your chosen Service.