The New Zealand Defence Force is allowing a gay, lesbian and transgender support group to be set up.
Flight Lieutenant Stu Pearce told Radio New Zealand the internal support group was a significant step for defence.
New Zealand Defence will reportedly join just a handful of militaries around the world to form an internal support group for the minority groups.
Mr Pearce said while a gay personnel ban had been lifted in 1993, the defence force remains a conservative organisation.
The support group will launch in January and was approved last month.
