Defence Force
Defence Force giving one off payments to workers
The Defence Force has admitted it was forced to scale back its response to Cyclone Gabrielle because of ongoing critical staff shortages.
To try and stem the high attrition rate it's making bonus… Audio
New Zealand is juggling old mates and new friends
Australia has drawn closer to traditional allies the US and UK by inking its nuclear submarine deal. Meanwhile our foreign minister's just returned from China where some delicate diplomacy has been… Audio
Counter terrorism expert not surprised govt foiled three terror attacks
A counter terrorism expert says it is no surprise to hear the government's security agencies foiled three possible terror attacks.
The director general of the Government Communications Security… Audio
Dr Ellen Nelson: local hero who helped evacuate Afghan colleagues to NZ
NZ Army leader Dr Ellen Nelson worked night and day for almost a year to help evacuate 563 Afghan Defence Force allies and their families after the country fell to the Taliban in 2021. Ellen Nelson is… Audio
20 years after the Iraq War: Should NZ rethink its Middle East strategy?
Analysis - As Iraq's neighbours, Iran and Saudi Arabia, pledge to restore diplomatic ties, the time might be right for New Zealand to take another look at the region, Geoffrey Miller writes.
'We just thought, bugger it, let's go': Soldiers say they disobeyed orders to save residents
Two soldiers say they disobeyed Civil Defence orders so they could rescue people trapped in Esk Valley during Cyclone Gabrielle.
Two 5/7 Battalion soldiers praised for Esk Valley rescue
RNZ received the following response from the Commanding Officer of 5/7 Battalion Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Fortune.
"The actions of the two 5/7 Battalion soldiers in the immediate response to Cyclone… Audio
Soldiers say they disobeyed orders to rescue flood-trapped people in Esk Valley
Two soldiers have revealed they disobeyed Civil Defence orders so they could rescue people trapped in Esk Valley during Cyclone Gabrielle.
Locals there were stranded on roofs as floodwaters raged… Audio
Geoffrey Miller: New Zealand’s foreign policy hardens under new leadership
Opinion - New Zealand's new triumvirate of ministers with responsibility for foreign affairs and defence seem to hint the country will join Indo-Pacific countries in rearming, Geoffrey Miller writes.
SAS trooper death: Charge dismissed, Army exempt from health and safety law
The High Court has dismissed a WorkSafe prosecution over the death of an SAS trooper who died in training.
Army back-up requested at hospital to deal with 'extremely unsafe' staffing
Whangārei Hospital nurses asked bosses to bring in the army to help with extreme understaffing at the height of the flu season last year.
The Detail's Long Read: In Our Defence
In Our Defence by Pete McKenzie: The defence force is spending up billions, but not on personnel's languishing wages or housing. Now, its ranks are thinning. Audio
Navy reaches Napier port with supplies on board
The Navy vessel Te Mana has arrived in Napier with much-needed supplies on board.
RNZ reporter Sally Murphy visited the port and spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Defence Force has update on response
The Defence Force has more than 700 people providing aid and support to those in regions hit by Cyclone Gabrielle.
Navy vessels have been delivering food and other supplies to communities on the East… Audio
Navy ship with supplies diverts from Tolaga Bay
A navy ship with supplies destined for isolated communities in Tolaga Bay had to reroute. Audio
Cyclone Gabrielle: Defence Minister Andrew Little
Hundreds of Defence Force personnel are working with council and Civil Defence staff and volunteers to assist in the rescue effort. Navy ships have reached worst hit areas with water and other… Audio
Cyclone Gabrielle: Helicopters still busy with rescues
Helicopters continue to rescue people from roofs and fly generators to farflung hills to reboot cellphone towers.
Last evening the government said 25 individuals or groups still needed rescuing
The… Audio
Minister concerned more deaths could come after two die in Hawke's Bay
Emergency Management Minister Kieran McAnulty says he would not be surprised if the death toll in Hawke's Bay rises in the aftermath of ex-tropical cyclone Gabrielle.
Defence Force working on getting supplies to cut-off Wairoa
Emergency Management Minister Kieran McAnulty says the Defence Force is working to get food and water to Wairoa in Hawke's Bay. Audio
Cyclone Gabrielle: Hundreds of NZDF staff deployed
More than 200 Defence Force personnel have been deployed to help with the response to ex-tropical cyclone Gabrielle.
Dubbed Operation Awhina, members of the Navy, Army and Air Force have been sent… Audio
