Latest fromMinistry of Defence
NZ Herald Live: pre-Budget 2025 Defence announcement
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is expected to be joined by Defence Minister Judith Collins and deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters make a pre-Budget defence announcement.
Editorial: It is time to remove the weeds from our ministerial portfolios
OPINION: A leaner Cabinet could sharpen NZ's focus on key issues.
NZDF quietly remove some entry requirements for NCEA levels 1 and 2
Applications surged to 9702 in 2024 after the academic changes were made.
Final report blames human error for HMNZS Manawanui’s sinking
Autopilot oversight led to $100m Navy ship disaster on reef in Samoa, report says.
NZDF prepares medics for disaster relief amid severe weather events
The exercise simulates a severe weather event on a Pacific Island.
Missile launch a fort for NZ Defence Force
A Penguin missile was fired for he first time from a Seasprite helicopter recently in a world first for New Zealand. Video / NZ Defence Force
Chinese naval ships move further away from NZ, enters Great Australian Bight
An international relations expert said China's motivation for the activity was unknown.
Defence Minister reveals new location of Chinese warships in Tasman Sea
Judith Collins criticised China for not warning airlines about the live-fire drills.
NZ Defence Spending, German Election & Pope’s Health | NZ Herald News Update
China fires live rounds near NZ, Germany’s snap election results, Pope Francis’ health, and Destiny Church news.
‘Deliberately hyped’: China hits back at Australia's reaction to live-fire naval drills
Commercial flights had to change course after a live-fire warning.
China begins second military exercise in Tasman Sea
China notified NZ Defence of the live firing via radio channels on Saturday.
‘Disconcerting’: Australia says China has not explained naval live-fire warning
Chinese ships issued a live-fire warning via radio to planes over the Tasman Sea.
‘Significant’: Judith Collins says Chinese war ships in Tasman Sea a ‘wake-up call’
New Zealand was given no warning of the ships.
Aoraki/Mt Cook search on hold and Sevu Reece discharged without conviction | NZ Herald News Update
The search for three missing climbers on Aoraki/Mt Cook remains on hold and Sevu Reece has been discharged without conviction following an incident at a Cup Day party last year.
Defence Minister uses 'extraordinary' power during NZDF strike
About 1000 civilian workers have ramped up industrial action in the last week.
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.
Judith Collins speaks with Ryan Bridge
Defence Minister Judith Collins speaks with Ryan Bridge from Nato Defence Ministers' meeting in Brussels. Video / Newstalk ZB
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.
Focus: Defence Minister Judith Collins gives update on sinking of HMNZS Manawanui
The HMNZS Manawanui sank this morning after fire took hold of the listing vessel, which ran aground near Upolu, Samoa.
Judith Collins announces new Defence Force chiefs
Defence Minister Judith Collins announces new Defence Force chiefs, including the first woman Army chief, Brigadier Rose King. Video / Mark Mitchell
Public sector cuts: $58m so far in redundancy payouts at Govt agencies
Nicola Willis says the cost is small compared to the $6b they're expecting to save.
Defence Force cuts: ‘We’re already operating on the smell of an oily rag’
No pay rises for NZDF staff amid budget crisis.
Fake blood splattered inside Defence House in protest action
Peace Action Wellington says two protesters were arrested.
Watch live: Govt pledges $571m for Defence Force pay, helicopter and vehicle upgrades
The new spend includes more than $100m of cuts to the NZDF and the Defence Ministry.
Editorial: The treatment of our military veterans is a disgrace and must be urgently addressed
EDITORIAL: We must look after our old soldiers.
Editorial: Rundown house and broken plane embarrassing look for Luxon and NZ on global stage
Urgent fixes are needed before more international reputational damage is done.
Public sector stress: Inside the 'unsettling' efforts to cut costs at govt departments
Just how deep will the cuts go in the race to cut spending?