Back
Navy Steward hero image 20221026

Navy

Hospitality Specialist

Experience a variety of Naval life as you work in the Officers’ Messes both at sea and ashore. Provide first-class service at everything from Formal events to diplomatic functions.

Mō te tūranga

About the role

  • Specialisations

    Hospitality

  • Entry type

    General entry

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Location

    Devonport

The primary role of a Navy Hospitality Specialist (formerly known as Steward) operates in Officers’ Messes at sea and ashore and can expect to provide a range of hospitality services from junior officers in the Navy to Heads of State and members of the Royal Family – for as few as 10 or as many as  500. Your role is varied and includes but is not limited to, providing table service to up to three meals a day, bartending; setting up and serving at official functions including cocktail parties, formal dinners, buffets, and morning and afternoon teas; and providing VIP support to high profile international and diplomatic functions either in NZ or overseas.

You will start your career with initial and professional training before gaining experience through practical, supervised on-the-job training while working at the Navy base’s Officers Mess. Postings ashore and at sea will follow and there are opportunities for you to sit external, industry recognised NZQA qualifications. Further training will assist with your professional development and progression in the Navy and wider Defence force.

Accepting Applications

  • Basic Common Training 25-2, starts 25 Aug 2025 Apply by 12 May 2025

    Apply Now

Requirements

Basics

  • Be a minimum of 18 years of age upon entry.
  • Eligible to meet national security clearance criteria, as stipulated by the Government's Protective Security Requirements.

Education

3 years secondary school. Note, qualifications may be used to assess trade suitability.

Citizenship

There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the CV security clearance required for this trade. You must be free of any criminal convictions for the previous two years.

Find out if you’re eligible here.

We offer guidance on entry requirements in our eligibility section. Apply if you're uncertain, as we’ll work through the criteria with you to determine if you can proceed.

“If you are involved in Kapa Haka we have our own Marae. You can help keep up traditions in the Defence Force which is really good.”

Katene-Rei

Career progression and training

01Basic Training

02Job Training

03Ongoing Training

04Career Progression

Benefits & allowances

Earn a competitive salary while training or learning your trade, along with additional allowances for time spent in the field, at sea, overseas, or deployed on operations.

In addition to salary and allowances, other benefits of joining the New Zealand Defence Force include:

  • Access to your Service marae or tūrangawaewae
  • Sponsored tertiary study programmes at all levels
  • Free access to gyms and swimming pools on camp and bases
  • Opportunities to travel
  • Free and subsidised medical and dental care
  • Subsidised food and accommodation on camps and bases
  • Free and subsidised insurance cover
  • Help to buy a home and save for retirement

Salary & benefits

Careers in the Navy are well-rewarded, as well as being diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, you will see your salary rise accordingly.

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Future potential earnings

    $98,000

Be Prepared

Navy Be Prepared Fitness Image 20240927

Am I fit enough?

If you want to be part of the NZ Defence Force you need to be medically and physically fit for military duties worldwide.

Medical & Fitness
Navy Be Prepared Application Process Image 20240927

The application process

Your step-by-step guide on what to expect at various stages of the application process, specifically for military roles.

Application process
navy generic base for roles

Ready to start your Navy career?

APPLY NOW

Tūranga whaipānga

Related Roles

Navy Chef thumbnail 20220614

Navy

  • Active Intakes

Chef

Hospitality

General entry

Chefs are responsible for the whole range of Navy’s catering requirements. As a Chef you could be cooking three to four meals a day for hungry ships’ companies or catering for official functions.

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Future potential earnings

    $98,000

  • Location

    Devonport

RNZN Musician Band Square 20220905

Navy

Musician

Education & Support roles

General entry

Join New Zealand’s most versatile military musical organisation. Travel and work with this unique group of musicians throughout New Zealand and the world. The Royal New Zealand Navy band (RNZN band) is highly respected both within the Navy and musical circles. It includes some of the country’s finest musicians whose professional capability and versatility combine to deliver a wide range of ensembles to perform at a varied range of ceremonies and events.

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Future potential earnings

    $98,000

  • Location

    Auckland