New Zealand Defence Force
Armed ForcesWellington, New Zealand1001-5000 Employees
The New Zealand Defence Force is the nation’s armed forces, conducting operations to protect New Zealand's interests at sea, maintain regional and global peace and stability, and provide agile air support when needed. Its core mission is to conduct military operations with combat readiness to defend New Zealand's sovereignty and areas under its responsibility, including safeguarding people, property, and information. While prepared for combat, the force also works with other agencies to address domestic and international challenges such as search and rescue, disaster relief, counter-terrorism, and maritime surveillance. The NZDF is structured around three primary branches—the Royal New Zealand Navy, the New Zealand Army, and the Royal New Zealand Air Force—supported by Regular Force personnel, Reservists, and civilian staff. Based in Wellington, it engages in international disaster-relief and security-cooperation efforts, including collaborations in Papua New Guinea to deliver aid after Cyclone Maila and multilateral air-mobility exercises with the Royal Australian Air Force.