Latest fromNew Zealand Defence Force

NZ Defence Force admits cost-cutting could affect 'fitness to deploy'
The New Zealand Defence force has a budget shortfall of $130 million.

RSA rebel group threatens to quit national body
'Slow death' solution to RSA woes threatens to split the veterans' body.

More sampling after high hydrocarbon levels found around HMNZS Manawanui wreck site
The Samoan Government has implemented a precautionary zone.

Reviews expose Army training, health & safety, shortfalls after soldiers killed and injured
Serious injuries and deaths in the Army exposed failings in new reviews.

Letters: The regions need abysmal Air NZ to be reliable
OPINION: 'Our death toll would have been much higher under a different system.'

Letters to the editor: Māori Battalion haka heard on battlefield
OPINION: Our readers have their say.

'Tragic accident': Soldier swept away rescuing his dog remembered as ‘talented man’
Chief of Army says gunner's death is being felt across Ngāti Tūmatauenga and wider NZDF.

Man missing in Manawatū River serving NZ Defence Force member
Iwi have placed a rāhui on the river.

Operation to remove fuel from sunken naval vessel set to start in December
The Manawanui sank after running aground on a reef in Samoa last month.

'We saw him as a hero': Last remaining member of Māori Battalion dies, aged 99
Sir Robert (Bom) Gillies was the last surviving member of the 28th Māori Battalion.

NZDF workers taking escalated strike action after pay increase refusal
Union members are refusing to work overtime and will reduce work output.

'Similar to concussion': New brain injury warning to NZDF troops over explosives
Brain damage links to blast waves prompt a warning to military personnel.

Flash Floods in Spain and Defence Force Shortages | NZ Herald News Update
Flash flood toll rises in Spain, NZ suicide prevention controversy, and NZDF recruitment declines.

HMNZS Manawanui satellite data suggests ship was testing vital systems days before grounding
Satellite data from HMNZS Manawanui's Automatic Identification System shows the ship's movements after leaving Devonport and after it grounded.

New data suggests doomed Manawanui was delayed a day for last-minute testing
The ship struck a reef and sank off Samoa.

‘Best of New Zealand:’ Luxon full of praise for Kiwi Manawanui taskforce
'Well done, my bald brother,' Luxon said to one NZDF personnel at the taskforce HQ.

Unredacted letter shows Andrew Bayly complainant a former Defence Force worker
The Small Business Minister has retained all of his ministerial portfolios.

Ammunition disposal sparks Tekapo scrub fire – NZDF
The fire was contained at 6.30pm last night.

Defence Force available in search for missing Marokopa family
'I can assure you that support has been called on through the course of this operation.'

‘Mayday, mayday, New Zealand warship grounded’: New details of Manawanui rescue revealed
The Herald has obtained exclusive new accounts of the brave rescue, fraught with danger.

Watch: Underwater footage of HMNZS Manawanui in Samoa
Underwater footage of HMNZS Manawanui in Samoa shows a slow diesel leak from an engine room pipe and vent which is causing a slight sheen on the sea’s surface.