Latest fromNew Zealand Defence Force

NZ and Aus increase defence co-operation to combat Pacific militarisation
The leaders of the two countries have met for the first time since Luxon became NZ PM.

Kids thrilled as NZDF chopper swoops down on school
A helicopter visit thrills Te Rā School students.

'Almost common sense': Does NZ really need its defence force?
As wars continue worldwide, a new book questions if New Zealand needs a military at all.

Hamilton tech business wins contract with NZ Navy
The company will build a special training software for officers.

Explosive device detonated on Northland beach
The object was found at Great Exhibition Bay on Tuesday evening.

Simon Smuts-Kennedy on the cap-tivating legacy of Hills Hats
The humble Wellington brand has hatted some of the biggest names around the world.

'Wise owl' of Waikato local government dies
Hugh Vercoe's service to the community included 15 years as Matamata-Piako mayor.

Disappearing dotterel nests: Defence Force exercise implicated
The NZDF confirmed it used the riverbed for driver training this week.

NZDF releases names of WWII Pacific coastwatchers yet to be formally recognised
The Defence Force is looking for the families of World War II Pasifika coastwatchers.

World War 2 Pacific Island coastwatchers recognised
Coastwatchers played an important role in the defence of the Pacific in World War II.

Army reconnaissance exercise taking place in Whanganui
If the exercises went correctly, people shouldn't know the soldiers are there.

Final ‘koha’: Sir Wira Gardiner’s posthumous High Court win for veterans
High Court decision tells Veterans' Affairs to aim for justice and don't sweat the detail.

Elite soldier killed in training ‘expendable’, says family at odds with inquiry report
Nicholas Kahotea's whānau say the US has not apologised for its role in his death.

Focus: Defence Minister with new Bushmaster military vehicles
Defence Minister Andrew Little marks the arrival of 18 Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles at Trentham Military Camp. Video / Mark Mitchell

The flights carrying $41m in cash during peak of cyclone crisis
Armed police watched on as the "very important mission" came in to land.

Destiny Church leaders make Gallipoli pilgrimage
Brian and Hannah Tamaki pay tribute to the fallen soldiers who did not return.

Focus Live: Anzac Day 2023
Thousands of people gathered at the central Auckland Anzac Dawn Service at the Auckland Domain and across Aotearoa to mark Anzac Day 2023. Video / Whakaata Māori

What you need to know about Anzac Day in Tauranga and Western Bay
All you need to know about local road closures, commemoration timings and locations.

Veterans talk about their service and why Anzac Day is celebrated
ANZAC Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand.

Rob Rattenbury: Lest we forget
Rob Rattenbury pays tribute to those who serve so we can live in freedom.

The Tauranga connection to forgotten Kiwi heroics in WWI
"I’m humbled to be part of this amazing story."

Soldier Lindsay Inglis' love letters unearthed
As Anzac Day looms, a new book shows a Kiwi officer's heartache and love in WWI.

Mock gunfight takes over Languard Bluff
The scenario was part of a week-long urban training course taken by 200-plus personnel.

'E-mobility is on the rise.': Ōhakea to trial a fleet of electric scooters
Members of the New Zealand Defence Force are finding more sustainable ways to travel.

SAS trooper death: Charge against Army dismissed
The Army exists to do dangerous things in dangerous environments, the High Court ruled.

Watch: Navy divers get Gisborne drinking water flowing
An eight-person team from HMNZS Matataua restored Gisborne’s water supply flow, in some of the most challenging environments they have ever faced. Video / NZDF

Focus: Govt says sending in military police to Hawke's Bay 'over the top'
The Government says calls from ACT and NZ First to send in the armed forces to take over control of the streets of Hawke’s Bay after reports of violence and looting following Cyclone Gabrielle are ‘over the top’. Video / NZ Herald

Watch: HMNZS Manawanui Navy ship drops supplies to Tokomaru Bay
The navy ship HMNZS Manawanui is due to arrive in Gisborne on Friday after dropping off food and water at Tokomaru Bay on Thursday. Video / NZDF