Latest news with #NewZealandArmy
Scoop
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
US And NZ Army Leaders Strengthen Strategic Partnership
United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) Commanding General, General Ronald P. Clark, met this week with New Zealand Chief of Army, Major General Rose King, to reaffirm the strong and enduring military relationship between the two nations and advance efforts to bolster security cooperation, readiness, and interoperability across the Indo-Pacific region. Over the course of the senior leaders' and their delegations meeting in Wellington, as well as a visit to the NZ Army's training and cultural home in Waiouru, the deepening defence relationship was reflected between both countries, rooted in shared democratic values and more than a century of military cooperation dating back to the First World War. 'Our armies have stood side by side in every major conflict of the past century,' said General Clark. 'Today, that legacy continues as we build the integrated landpower network required to meet today's challenges and preserve peace in the Indo-Pacific.' Their meeting underscored not only the historical depth of the US–New Zealand Army partnership, but also the shared commitment to preparing their forces for the challenges of a rapidly evolving regional security environment. 'New Zealand values its close and enduring relationship with the US Army,' said Major General Rose King. 'Our cooperation is not just historical - it's operational, forward-looking, and grounded in trust. Together, we are preparing our forces to meet shared challenges across the region with agility, adaptability and purpose.' Discussions focused on building further interoperability, advancing combined readiness initiatives, and the US Army's recent transformation efforts. The leaders emphasised the critical role both armies play in shaping a free and open Indo-Pacific, especially as the region faces evolving threats and strategic competition. The meeting occurred as both nations' armies participated in Exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia, where close to 700 New Zealand Defence Force troops trained alongside US, Australian, and other allied forces. The exercise demonstrated growing interoperability across air, land, maritime, cyber, and space domains. Major General King highlighted NewZealand's commitment to maintaining a modern, combat-ready force capable of deploying globally and regionally. The New Zealand Army - 4,200 active and 2,000 reserve soldiers strong – regularly integrates seamlessly with allied partners across combined missions and operations, supports United Nations peacekeeping operations and delivers humanitarian assistance across the Pacific when called upon. 'We know that we can't contribute mass and scale, but we pride ourselves on the quality of our soldiers and our leaders, who regularly deploy to, and add significant value to multinational deployments and operations,' Major General King said. 'To that end, it's been great to be able to share some insight with General Clark and his team around how we go about training our people.' As part of its publicly announced modernisation efforts through the New Zealand Government's Defence Capability Plan, the New Zealand Army is pursuing upgrades to its Javelin anti-tank missile system, investing in a Network Enabled Army to improve its digital communications and command-and-control interoperability, and planning the replacement of aging vehicle fleets to enhance mobility and sustainment in the field. 'New Zealand is a stalwart partner in the Pacific,' said General Clark. 'Whether in exercises like Talisman Sabre or standing shoulder to shoulder in peacekeeping operations, our soldiers share trust built on action, not just words.' This sentiment was echoed by Major General King, who emphasised the operational value of combined training and the practical steps both armies are taking to improve regional preparedness. 'Participating in Talisman Sabre alongside US and Australian forces showcases our commitment to operational readiness and deepening interoperability,' said Major General King. 'These exercises strengthen our collective capability to respond quickly and effectively in the region—whether in conflict, crisis, or humanitarian need.' Both generals acknowledged the strategic importance of the Pacific Islands region and affirmed their role in promoting regional security, development, and sovereignty. This visit underscored the enduring strength of the US–New Zealand partnership - one forged in the trenches of the First World War, battle-tested in the Pacific during the Second World War, and reaffirmed today through shared purpose and mutual respect.
NZ Herald
18-07-2025
- Politics
- NZ Herald
Defence Minister Judith Collins talks tough to graduating Army recruits as global tensions rise
During the ceremony, Collins – New Zealand's first female Minister of Defence – was seated next to the Chief of Army Major General Rose King, the first woman to lead New Zealand's armed forces. After a gruelling 15-week training course, 153 men and women graduated from Recruit Regular Force 416, Rafah Company, at Waiōuru Military Camp. Photo / Sylvie Whinray The parade concluded with a stirring rendition of the Army's official haka, Tū, before family members were invited to present the recruits with their dog tags, an emotional moment that left many in tears. After retiring to the officers' mess, Collins told the Herald the world feels more unstable now than it has at any other point in her lifetime. The recruits she'd spoken to were 'action-focused people' prepared for the prospect of seeing combat. 'People don't join the Army because they want to sit at home and fight over the remote control,' she said. 'They join to be deployed, whether it's at home, in relation to some of the weather events we're having at the moment or some conflict area. They want to get the skills and play their part. 'The world is a very different place than it was 10 or 20 years ago. Even in the days of the Cold War, there were certain rules. A lot of those rules seem to have been forgotten now.' In April, Collins launched the Government's $12 billion Defence Capability Plan and committed to doubling defence spending to more than 2% of GDP by 2033. Asked if decades of underfunding have damaged New Zealand's military reputation internationally, the minister said it was more a question of how our Defence Force could be so good with so little. 'If anybody should take the hit, it should be those of us in Government over the years who have foolishly thought that common sense would break out, peace would break out, everyone would behave and nobody would be a threat anymore. 'Certainly, large powers are arming up and we were not. We were starting to be seen very much as a country that didn't support its defence personnel, and we needed to change that fast.' New Zealand Army recruit Private Lana Kiddie-Vai (right) prepares for her graduation parade at the Waiōuru Military Camp with the help of non-commissioned officer Corporal Chantal Yeatman. Photo / Sylvie Whinray After posting a record attrition rate of 17.7% at the end of 2022, the New Zealand Army has steadily clawed that back to 7.7%. However, that period of poor retention has created a hollow across the defence force that has yet to be resolved, with thousands of positions vacant as of the end of March, according to figures released under the Official Information Act. About half of the unfilled roles were in the Army. To boost numbers, a new recruitment campaign has been launched and four training courses at Waiōuru are planned for 2026, up from two in 2025. This week, 700 New Zealanders from across the defence force joined 30,000 personnel from 19 countries for Exercise Talisman Sabre, a 'multi-domain warfighting scenario' being held in Australia. The war drills are being seen as a show of military co-ordination between allied nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom and Japan. New Zealand's Defence Capability Plan refers specifically to China's pursuit of its strategic objectives in ways that can challenge the security of other states. As well as supporting closer alignment with US interests, Collins has overseen the deepening of interoperability with Australia and a stepping up of defence diplomacy with Nato and the UK. Graduating New Zealand Army recruits at the Waiōuru Military Camp conclude their official parade with a spine-tingling rendition of the Army's official haka, Tū. Photo / Sylvie Whinray During her term as minister, China has become more assertive around Taiwan and in the South China Sea; more active in the Pacific, including signing an agreement with the Cook Islands, a Realm Country of New Zealand, without consulting New Zealand; test-firing a ballistic missile into the Pacific; and sending a naval task group to the Tasman Sea in February, which included live-firing without notice. This month, the Royal New Zealand Air Force established its first dedicated space unit – described by Collins, who is also the Minister for Space, as part of the work being done to maintain a 'combat-capable, flexible' force. In the same week, it was announced that the taxpayer-funded climate satellite MethaneSat had lost contact with the ground and was 'likely not recoverable'. Led by a US group, the Environmental Defence Fund, the project was given $29 million from the New Zealand Government with the aim of growing the space industry. The mission's goal was to name and shame oil and gas producers that were allowing planet-heating methane to escape into the atmosphere. Joanna Wane is an award-winning senior journalist who has been with the NZ Herald since 2020.
NZ Herald
06-07-2025
- General
- NZ Herald
Reserve Force corporal Ray Stewart balances spray painting and army training
Section commander Corporal Ray Stewart departs the 5/7 RNZIR forward operating base to patrol Maria Place as part of an urban security exercise in Whanganui. Photo / NZ Defence Force Whanganui spray painter Ray Stewart spends his spare time learning to de-escalate conflicts that the New Zealand Army might face. The Reserve Force corporal recently took part in Exercise Italy in Whanganui where, as part of the scenario, he and his infantry section were at the defensive end of a
Scoop
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Honouring Service And Sacrifice: 75th Anniversary Of The Korean War
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War, a pivotal moment in global history and a significant chapter in New Zealand's military heritage. A national commemorative service will be held at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington on Wednesday 25 June 2025 from 11am. "The 25th of June is a day where people can take the opportunity to honour and reflect on the courage and sacrifice of New Zealanders who served in the Korean War," said Stacey Richardson, Director Office of the Secretary at Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage. The commemoration is held on the anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War on 25 June 1950 when communist North Korean forces crossed the 38th Parallel into South Korea. "New Zealand was one of the first nations to respond to the United Nations Security Council's call for military assistance following the invasion of South Korea in June 1950. "Over 6,000 New Zealanders served during the Korean War. Around 4,700 New Zealand Army personnel served in Kayforce, with about 1300 others on Royal New Zealand Navy frigates. "The ramifications of this war were felt across the world and in Aotearoa. Forty-five New Zealanders lost their lives, and many more were wounded or affected by the conflict". "Our national commemorations provide a space for individual and collective reflection. They bring together veterans, service personnel, communities and members of the public to honour together and reflect on the enduring legacy of war. "As we reflect, we can also look forward. We acknowledge the enduring bonds forged between Aotearoa and the Republic of Korea, which have shaped the strong partnership our nations enjoy today," said Richardson. Veterans, their whānau, and members of the public are warmly invited to attend the national commemoration. Anyone who would like to attend should arrive at the Hall of Memories at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park at 10.45am for an 11.00am start.
Scoop
05-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
NZDF Prepares For Major Warfighting Exercise In Australia
New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel and assets have begun to deploy to one of the largest multi-national military exercises in the world. Featuring more than 30,000 military personnel and platforms from 19 nations, Exercise Talisman Sabre 25 is being held from 13 July to 4 August across Australia. Held every two years, the exercise is designed to improve and strengthen interoperability and combat readiness in complex, multi-domain operations. In preparation for the exercise, close to 35 New Zealand Army vehicles, including Light Armoured Vehicles (NZLAV) and the new Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles, along with 150 personnel, boarded HMNZS Canterbury today, ready for the transit to Queensland. Once there, the NZ Army combat team will link up with the Australian Army's 7th Brigade for a preparatory exercise to hone their interoperability in the build up to Talisman Sabre. They will soon be joined by the frigate HMNZS Te Kaha, three NH90 helicopters, P-8A Poseidon aircraft, mine warfare divers, military police, medics, logistics and others to support a range of intense land, air, and maritime operations alongside key partners. In total, more than 680 NZDF personnel will deploy on the exercise. 'Talisman Sabre provides an invaluable opportunity for us to train with some of our closest defence partners in a realistic and demanding environment,' said Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, Major General Rob Krushka. 'Exercises like this ensure we remain a credible, capable and combat-ready force, ready to respond to regional and global challenges.' Participating alongside ally Australia and defence partners including the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, and others, the NZDF's involvement reflects New Zealand's ongoing commitment to collective security, regional stability, and defence cooperation. 'One of our real capabilities is force integration,' Major General Krushka said. 'We have a well-proven ability to seamlessly embed our personnel and platforms into multi-national, multi-domain tactical forces and this exercise gives us another opportunity to demonstrate this.' Talisman Sabre 25 will incorporate joint training scenarios including amphibious landings, maritime identification and interception, air operations, live-fire exercises, and logistics support across a vast training area, including in Australia's Northern Territory and Queensland, and in the Coral Sea. For the first time, Papua New Guinea will also be hosting an event.
