The New Zealand Defence Force is spread across camps and bases throughout New Zealand. Its national strategic headquarters are in Wellington and the operational joint headquarters are at Trentham in Upper Hutt.
The Chief of Defence Force commands the Defence Force and is supported by the Chief of Navy, Chief of Army, Chief of Air Force and the Joint Force Commander. This section details the structure and personnel who command the Defence Force, and presents in-depth information about the functions of Headquarters New Zealand Defence Force.
Mission
To secure New Zealand against external threat, to protect our sovereign interests, including in the Exclusive Economic Zone, and to be able to take action to meet likely contingencies in our strategic area of interest.
Vision
NZDF: Three Services as one Force, being the best in everything we do
The Executive Leadership Team (comprised of Chief of the Defence Force, Chief of Navy, Army, Air, and other very senior personnel) believes the effectiveness of the New Zealand Defence Force is more than the sum of three Services. Uniting as "three Services as one Force” we seek to be more agile, more efficient and more effective.
Roles and Challenges
The New Zealand Defence Force is charged with the defence of the nation, the security of its interests, and the protection of its fundamental values and institutions. New Zealand has a reputation as a good international citizen, and the NZDF is often responsible for maintaining and enhancing this status throughout the world.
Our Values
NZDF values courage, commitment, comradeship and integrity. Courage means being brave enough to do what one believes is right. Commitment means loyally serving the interests of the NZDF and the New Zealand Government. Comradeship means embracing the bonds of friendship as both a necessity and as a benefit of the job. Integrity means acting honourably to bring credit to New Zealand.
Agility
The ability to be agile sits at the core of the culture and strategy of the NZDF. We are agile in our thinking, our planning, our training, and on operations.