All overseas deployments are directed by the New Zealand Government. Once deployed, NZDF personnel come under the control of Commander Joint Forces New Zealand. This section details the mission and provides information on where our forces are and what they are doing in support of the Government’s defence policy objectives.
Right now we’ve got Navy personnel on peacekeeping missions posted around the world, with the bulk of personnel in Afghanistan, the Middle East, Korea, Timor-Leste and the Solomon Islands. Below is a short summary of the objectives of some of these missions.
Afghanistan
NZDF personnel are currently in Afghanistan's Bamyan province, leading one of the Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs). PRTs were established in 2002 to help the transitional government under President Hamid Karzai extend its influence beyond Kabul. They promote reconstruction in their areas, and assess civil, political and military reform efforts through community engagement. Read about Leading Medic Laura Johannsen's time in Afghanistan.
Middle East
There are currently eight NZDF personnel serving as part of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) in the Middle East. These personnel work as military observers and are based in Syria, Israel and Southern Lebanon. The mandate given to each observer differs slightly, but essentially they are there to ensure that peace agreements or cease fires are observed and any violations to peace or security in the region are reported.
Korea
Since 1998 New Zealand has actively participated in the work of the United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission (UNCMAC) in Korea. In 2004, New Zealand agreed to send one officer to be Assistant Operations Officer in UNCMAC. Since October 2005 New Zealand has increased this commitment to four officers to fill posts within the various operations teams.
Solomon Islands
The NZDF deploys to the Solomons for four month rotations and work alongside other supporting nations, which include Australia, Fiji, Tonga and Papua New Guinea. Their roles include troops assisting police in downtown Honiara, carrying out patrols, and helping with external security at Rove Prison. These important tasks help free up personnel from other Pacific Island countries to undertake community work outside Honiara, for which they are particularly valuable.
Get involved
If this is something you really want to get involved in, then the Royal New Zealand Navy could be the place for you. And, as you can see, there are lots of opportunities to take part in missions around the world.
Find out more about the jobs related to these activities.
> Supply Officer
> Operational Administrator
> Stores Accountant
> Medic
You can also find out about our most recent missions and stories in our Global Deployment Map or Postcards from Overseas.