Defence Force
Roads remain blocked in New Caledonia as unrest continues
Despite thousands of armed French Police on New Caledonian soil - many of the roads are still blocked or are in worse condition than they were. New Caledonia La Premiere news service journalist… Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Monday May 20
On today's episode, The New Zealand Defence Force is ready to send a Hercules to Noumea to bring New Zealanders home - as soon as the French give permission to do so, we hear from Defence Minister… Audio
New Caledonia airport remains closed stranding New Zealanders
French authorities in New Caledonia say they've regained control of the road between Noumea and the international airport, but the Tontouta international airport remains closed. New Zealander Mike… Audio
NZ Defence Force ready to send Hercules to New Caledonia
The New Zealand Defence Force is ready to send a Hercules to Noumea to bring New Zealanders home - as soon as the French give permission to do so. Defence Minister Judith Collins spoke to Corin Dann.
…Fran Ebbett, her path to captain an Air NZ jet
Fran Ebbett was just a schoolgirl when she started dreaming of becoming a pilot and eventually she rose through the ranks to captain an Air New Zealand passenger jet, possibly the first Maori woman to… Audio
The life and times of a Kiwi soldier
Dario Nustrini has written a memoir on his six years in the New Zealand Army, including a stint in Iraq supporting the fight against terror group ISIS, before leaving it all behind in 2017. Audio
Chief Ombudsman 'didn't have all the facts' for Operation Burnham inquiry
Peter Boshier says the information gap undermined his initial investigation, and meant the NZDF avoided being accountable.
Ohakea base back as back-up airport, with limitations
For the past few years, Ohakea did not have enough trained fire and rescue staff to be on hand 24/7 should a jet need to land.
AUKUS could 'crush' Australia's defence industry - report
An Australian Strategic Policy Institute report says Pillar Two could raise the industry to state of the art capability - or "crush" it "under the weight of the globe's biggest player".
Why the Defence Force has been calling for a Budget boost
Failing accommodation, tarmac problems and a deteriorating naval base were all laid bare before a $571 million spend-up was unveiled today.
'A pretty dire state': Collins announces $571 million Defence spend-up
An extra half a billion dollars is going to Defence in this year's Budget for pay and equipment upgrades, the Defence Minister has announced.
Govt announces $160 million to bolster defence force personnel
Defence Minister Judith Collins has announced new funding of $571 million for the Defence Force, with $160 million for personnel, most of it to be spent over four years. She spoke to Ben Strang. Audio
Defence Force staff feared they might be stuck in Antarctica
Twelve Defence Force staff feared they might be stuck in Antarctica after a series of delays and aircraft breakdowns delayed their return home for more than a month in a rapidly closing window of… Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Friday 26 April
On today's episode, the new Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith discusses his plan for the industry, RNZ's political editor Jo Moir and NZ Herald political editor Clair Trevett wrap up… Audio
NZDF gets creative for Gallipoli Anzac Day ceremony
Described as a "fantastic representation", the NZDF contingent made do with a loaned cornet and resized uniforms after their luggage was lost in Dubai.
On the fringes of the Gallipoli battlefield
When our Gallipoli soldiers landed at the historically significant site they occasionally paused to admire the sunsets, birds and flowers; and to souvenir treasures Audio
Anzac Day: Veterans not getting support they need, feel forgotten about
Some contemporary veterans say are dealing with the impacts of serving, but the government is not providing them with the support they need. Audio
NZDF luggage lost on way to Gallipoli
There's bitter disappointment and the role of the New Zealand Defence Force at ANZAC commemorations in Gallipoli is up in the air, after the group's luggage was lost in transit. Chief Executive of the… Audio
NZDF on show at Warriors ANZAC DAY NRL match
Rugby league fans will be treated to a visually spectacular display from the New Zealand Defence Force when the Warriors play their Anzac Day NRL match in Auckland on Thursday afternoon. Lieutenant… Audio
RSA clubs need to 'reorient', make veterans the priority - chairperson
Martyn Dunne says many RSAs are "highly successful" but have not been looking after the veterans. Audio