Our story

The Ministry of Defence 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.

We also purchase major equipment which becomes a capability when it is used by service personnel of the New Zealand Defence Force.

To carry out our role, we:

  • provide long-range advice (20-30 years) on New Zealand’s defence interests and challenges

  • advise the Government on how our Defence Force can meet current challenges (such as potential deployments) and possible future challenges

  • purchase major defence equipment for use by the New Zealand Defence Force as a defence capability

  • build and maintain strong Defence relationships internationally

  • advise on Defence’s performance and effectiveness as a system.

We work closely with the New Zealand Defence Force, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and other agencies to carry out these activities. We also build and maintain strong defence connections with other governments, including our ally Australia, so New Zealand can contribute to the security of the Asia-Pacific region, as well as understand and respond to defence and security challenges internationally.