We are the Government’s lead civilian advisor on defence. We also purchase major equipment which becomes a capability when it is used by service men and women of the New Zealand Defence Force.
Ko mātou te kaitohutohu matua mō ngā tāngata noa ki te Kāwanatanga mō te waonga. Ka hoko hoki mātou i ngā utauta nui e tū ai hei āheinga ina whakamahia e ngā tāne, e ngā wāhine a Te Ope Kātua o Aotearoa.
The Ministry of Defence (the Ministry) is a civilian agency that gives advice to the Government on defence matters. We contribute to making New Zealand safe and enhancing the security of other nations.
The Ministry and the New Zealand Defence Force work very closely together; drawing on our strong, separate civilian and military perspectives.
The separation between the two agencies is part of New Zealand’s constitutional arrangements. Under the Defence Act 1990, the Secretary of Defence is the lead civilian advisor on Defence matters and the Chief of Defence Force is the lead military advisor and senior military officer.
Our role
The Ministry of Defence is a civilian agency that provides advice to the Government on defence matters.
Work for us
The Ministry of Defence is home to bright, hardworking and committed public servants who work closely with the New Zealand Defence Force.
Our people & structure
The Ministry’s structure is centred around its capability delivery and civilian advice roles. Each division is headed by a member of the Strategic Leadership team.
Strategic Leadership team
Our Strategic Leadership team is headed by the Secretary of Defence who is also the Chief Executive of the Ministry of Defence.
Capability Delivery
One of the Ministry of Defence’s primary responsibilities is to plan for, advise on, and purchase fit-for-purpose major defence capabilities.
Policy and Planning
In consultation with the NZDF, the Policy and Planning division provides advice to the Government on Defence policy matters.
Strategy Management and Assessment
The Strategy Management and Assessment division has two branches: Strategy Management Office and Defence Audit & Assessment.
Finance
We provide financial services and advice on all financial aspects of Ministry business.
Governance, People and Executive Services
There are four branches: Governance and Assurance; Human Resources; Ministerial and Executive Services; and Business Solutions.