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What will my day-to-day life in the NZDF be like?
One of the key things about life in the NZDF is that your job will vary and you will be doing many different things. The NZDF is also passionate about its members maintaining a sustainable work/life balance. Work hours are comparable to a normal 9-5 job. However, during initial training, field exercises, and on operation, you will be expected to work longer hours. NZDF regular force members are entitled to a generous 25 days annual leave per year.
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As a Reservist, will I be forced to go on deployment?
In times of war or emergency, you may be called upon to deploy.
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Will I have to live on base?
During recruit training you will have to live on base. After recruit training there is no requirement to live on base.
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What entitlements can I get to help me join the NZDF?
If your application is successful, and once you have accepted your Offer of Service, you may be entitled to some benefits to aid with your entry:
- Duty Travel for you and your family, from your bona fide home to your new posting location.
- Household removals funding/partial funding.
- Accommodation during relocation to your new posting location.
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How can I make my application more competitive?
You can make your application more competitive by increasing your personal fitness and achieving a high level of fitness at your entry level fitness test. Team sports, cultural and extra-curricular activities, also look good on your application. Having a detailed understanding of your trade, service, training pipeline, and recent NZDF operations will help you during the interview.
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How long does the application process take?
The time between submitting your application and the first day of training typically takes 3 – 18 months. There are a number of reasons why your application may take longer to process. For example:
- we may require you to undertake further medical testing with a specialist
- you may take several attempts to pass the aptitude and fitness testing
- you may miss out on the first intake you are eligible for. Some of our trades have a high number of applications and selection is highly competitive
- you may have applied for a trade that we only recruit once per year, or once every two years.
These are just some of the reasons why your application may take longer to process. Your Candidate Engagement Facilitator can provide you with more information about your specific circumstances.
If applying from overseas, you will also have to wait for an NZ Residence Class visa.
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Can I re-enlist for a different trade or service?
Yes. Your previous experience will be reviewed against what you are applying for and you may be credited some course requirements. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis and it may also be decided that you need to start again in your new service or trade alongside new recruits.
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How does the resignation process work?
We typically require 3 months’ notice if you decide to resign. However, during times of increased operational activity, or if you are required to complete a return of service obligation, you may be required to continue serving until you have completed your required duties or service period.
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How much leave am I entitled to?
The annual leave entitlement is 25 days per year for all service personnel. In addition to annual leave there are over 20 other categories of leave that you can apply for. These include study leave, representational leave, household removal leave, sick leave, and bereavement leave among others. The most common form of additional leave besides statutory holidays, is stand-down leave (for respite after long operations and intensive work periods) and equivalent leave (for working weekends and statutory holidays).
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Will you review my previous military file?
Yes, both the Recruiter and the Career Manager will review your file to assess your suitability for re-enlistment. If it is decided that you are not suitable for re-enlistment, you will be given the reason for this.
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Does NZDF provide dental and medical care?
The NZDF provides free dental and medical care to all full-time serving uniformed personnel.
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I am currently serving but I want to change trade or service, do I do this via this site?
If you are a currently serving member, either Regular or Reserve Forces, you need to apply via your unit chain of command.
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Can I continue to breast-feed after returning from parental leave?
Nursing mothers may be able to make arrangements with their commanders and managers to establish an appropriate location for breast-feeding and expressing milk. However, personal needs must always be balanced with high priority unit activities or operational activities.
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What leadership roles can I perform in the NZDF?
Leadership roles are available to all trades in every service. As the NZDF is relatively small compared to other militaries, leadership skills are taught early because we need our personnel to be flexible and capable of leading, sometimes at junior ranks.
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I'm applying from overseas. Do I need to provide copies of my qualifications obtained during my military courses?
Yes. The career managers will assess these qualifications and decide which ones will be recognised by the NZDF. If you are successfully enlisted into the NZDF, these courses will be added to your NZDF profile. Please note that some NZ courses differ to ones you have taken at home and you must be prepared to complete these. This will be stated to you in your Offer of Service.
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When re-enlisting, will I have to go through initial training again?
This is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you were fairly junior in your career when you left the NZDF, it may be decided that you need to start again alongside new recruits to re-familiarise yourself with a military environment.
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What options are available to me for parental leave?
The NZDF is family friendly and offers generous leave policies to support working parents. If you are planning a family you can take parental leave. You may also be eligible to receive a return-to-work incentive payment, which is equivalent to six weeks salary and payable six months after you return from parental leave.
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What are the minimum fitness requirements to join the NZDF?
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I'm applying from overseas. How long does the immigration process take?
Once you have submitted your application, NZ Immigration will assign you a Case Officer and the process may take up to six months. This will be highly dependent on your ability to produce all of the documentation required by NZ Immigration in a timely and organised manner. Please ensure you fully read the information on NZ Immigration’s website, www.immigration.govt.nz, before commencing the process.
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Can I wear my wedding ring, jewellery, and have piercings?
You are able to wear a plain signet ring, engagement ring and/or wedding ring, plus one other ring.
You can also wear one pair of earrings, which must be plain studs or sleepers. No other visible piercings are permitted.
You can wear a wristwatch, and it is recommended that you get a sturdy, waterproof wristwatch for when in field environments.
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