Make part-time work for you
Joining the Navy Reserves means you can reap the best of all that a career in the Navy has to offer, while still holding down your full-time civilian career or studies - meaning you'll get the best of both worlds.
Support our capability
As the part-time force of the Navy, the Reserves are made up of personnel who have joined the Reserves either directly or after having served in the Regular Force. They serve to support the Navy’s operational capability in its maritime defence and security roles, as well as the wider NZ Defence Force Mission to protect New Zealand’s interests and provide support in times of natural and other disasters.
Reserve roles
In addition to the roles undertaken by ex-Regular Force personnel, we currently have roles available for new recruits looking to join the Naval Reserves directly:
- Chaplain
- Legal Officer
- Maritime Trade Operations Officer
- Maritime Trade Operations Rating
- Medical Officer (Doctor)
- Musician
- Psychologist
- Public Affairs Officer
Can you do a minimum of 20 days a year?
All Reservists have the opportunity to serve both in the Navy’s modern fleet and ashore, in Defence Force establishments around the country, at the Navy Reserve Units located in Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, and remotely. Ab initio Reservists need to commit to a minimum of 20 days’ service a year – the cumulative total of your weeknight, weekend and any full-time training or supplementation. You will also be expected to maintain your fitness levels and to pass academic and other requirements at the same level as full-time Navy personnel. You will wear the same uniform as Regular Force personnel and be available to be trained and deployed operationally.
Whats in it for you?
- A paid part time position.
- Flexibility to work your Reserve role around your full-time commitments.
- Learn new skills and gain diverse experiences that will appeal to civilian employers.
- Opportunities for adventure you won't find in any other job.
- A taste of all that Navy life has to offer.
8 Roles available in the Navy Reserve specialisation across the Navy
Navy
Education & Support roles | Navy Reserve | Officers & Management
Officer entry, Navy Reserve
You are the Navy’s spiritual anchor, providing ministry, friendship, comfort and guidance to military and civilian personnel, and their families.
Navy
Education & Support roles | Navy Reserve | Officers & Management
Officer entry, Navy Reserve
Not many legal specialists get trained to lead teams of people in all kinds of situations, handle weapons and develop problem-solving skills. As a Reserve Legal Officer, you could find yourself working in areas such as military law, military and civilian employment law, or human rights and privacy law.
Navy
Reserve Medical Officer (Doctor)
Healthcare | Navy Reserve | Officers & Management
Officer entry, Navy Reserve
NZDF health is tasked with maintaining, improving and restoring the health of the Defence Force in order to maintain the operational effectiveness of the NZDF.
Navy
Navy Reserve | Officers & Management | Operational support
Officer entry, Navy Reserve
Reserve MTO Officers fuse maritime trade related information and experience with expert analysis and assessment in order to support the decision-making processes of military commanders at sea and ashore.
Navy
Navy Reserve | Operational support
General entry, Navy Reserve
Reserve MTO Specialists support the provision of maritime trade related information and intelligence to military commanders at sea and ashore.
Navy
Education & Support roles | Navy Reserve
General entry, Navy Reserve
Get the best of both worlds: balance your everyday work or study with the excitement and adventure of life in the Navy. Embark on a part-time career like no other by joining the Royal New Zealand Navy Band. It includes some of the country’s finest musicians who perform at a wide range of ceremonies and events.
Navy
Healthcare | Navy Reserve | Officers & Management
Officer entry, Navy Reserve
A psychology career unlike any other, based ashore, at sea and even overseas. You will have the opportunity to experience a number of areas within organisational and military psychology.
Navy
Reserve Public Affairs Officer
Education & Support roles | Navy Reserve | Officers & Management
Officer entry, Navy Reserve
Reserve Public Affairs Officers tell our story to internal and external audiences. You might be telling that story from a base or camp in New Zealand, from a ship at sea, or while deployed overseas in the midst of an exercise or operation.