The New Zealand Ministry of Defence is a civilian agency that provides advice to the Government on defence matters.
Ko te Manatū Kaupapa Waonga tētahi pokapū ā-tangata noa e tuku ana i ngā kupu tohutohu ki te Kāwanatanga mō ngā take waonga.
We do this by undertaking these activities:
- Plan and assess: provide long-range assessments and advice (20-30 years) on New Zealand’s defence interests and challenges and advise on Defence’s performance and effectiveness as a system.
- Equip: purchase major defence equipment for use by the New Zealand Defence Force as a defence capability.
- Partner: build and maintains strong Defence relationships internationally and advise the Government on how our Defence Force can meet current challenges (such as potential deployments) and possible future challenges.
The Ministry works closely with the Defence Force, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and other agencies to carry out these activities.
The Ministry also builds and maintains strong defence connections with other governments, including our ally Australia, so New Zealand can contribute to the security of the Indo-Pacific region, and understand and respond to defence and security challenges internationally.
Plan & assess
Provide long-range assessments and advice on New Zealand’s defence interests and challenges as well as assessing Defence’s performance and effectiveness.
Equip
Purchase major defence equipment for use by the New Zealand Defence Force as a defence capability.
Partner
Build and maintain strong Defence relationships and advise on possible deployments.
Publications
2025 Defence Capability Plan
The 2025 Defence Capability Plan outlines the Government's investment intentions for Defence until 2040.
Strategic Defence Policy
An overview of New Zealand's Defence strategy.
Defence Assessment 2021
A comprehensive review of the challenges to New Zealand's strategic defence interests, as well as defence officials' advice to Government on changing New Zealand's defence policy settings.
News
Uncrewed aircraft systems training takes off
The Ministry of Defence has taken delivery of a suite of uncrewed aircraft systems and remote ground sensor systems, testing has been completed, and operator training is underway.
Construction of P-8A Poseidon training facility
An Antonov AN-124 cargo aircraft is scheduled to touchdown this week at Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Base Ohakea, delivering parts for the construction of a new P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft training facility.