New Zealand’s military forces
With a population of almost 4.5 million, New Zealand has one of the longest coastlines in the world, and the fifth largest territorial maritime area in the world.
The country is rich in many forms of resources from minerals to biodiversity, and while geographically remote plays an important role in the strategic defence planning of the wider Pacific region, and in specific roles often finds itself providing key tactical services around the globe.
The New Zealand Defence Force
The New Zealand Defence Force is accountable to the public of New Zealand for the spending necessary to maintain a world class force of service men and women across the three armed services of Navy, Army and Air Force. Information about the achievements and ongoing work of the New Zealand Defence Force can be found on the New Zealand Defence Force website
The Ministry of Defence
The Ministry of Defence provides advice to the Government on the defence of New Zealand and its interests, acquiring military equipment, and oversight of the New Zealand Defence Force functions, duties and projects. For more information visit the Ministry’s website
Military History
New Zealand’s military history is strongly influenced by its part in the first World War, where deployment with Australian forces as the ANZACs (Australia New Zealand Army Corps) in action at Gallipoli and elsewhere forged an extremely strong bond that is maintained in many ways, but specifically with the ANZAC Dawn ceremony which is held in centres throughout both countries on April 25th each year.
The government maintains a website specifically for the ANZAC tradition.
