Growth in members of NZ armed forces

New Zealand has played a major role in peace-keeping efforts in Timor Leste. Photo / AP

Uniformed members of the armed forces have grown in numbers by 6 per cent in a year, the Defence Force says.

It brings the total number of soldiers, sailors, and air force personnel at June this year to 9035, up from 8504 in 2013.

The NZDF is at its highest staffing levels since 2011, with a total of 14,116 military and civilian staff.

The figures were released in the NZDF annual report today, which also showed a drop in the number of people choosing to leave military life and a growth in recruitment.

Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Tim Keating put the positive outlook down to an increase in confidence and morale.

In another report released by the NZDF today, the military identified ways it could optimise relationships with businesses.

Secretary of Defence Helene Quilter launched the report at the Defence Industry Conference in Wellington, saying it would promote "stronger engagement between Defence and the business sector".

It aims to "adapt and improve our practice and processes so that New Zealand businesses have the best possible chance to supply Defence, while Defence achieves the best value for money".

Around $800 million is spent annually by the NZDF on military assets, the Defence estate, equipment, maintenance and support, as well as day-to-day goods and services.