Minister of Defence Judith Collins has announced a large investment in New Zealand Defence Force operating funding ahead of Budget 2025.

05 May, 2025

The New Zealand Defence Force will receive a $957 million increase over the next four years to fund essential operational activity.

Defence Minister Judith Collins made the announcement at RNZAF Base Auckland yesterday.

She also announced the replacement of the Defence Force’s maritime helicopters, the Seasprite SH2-G(I), estimated at $2 billion.  The replacement of the maritime helicopters is one of the projects contained in the recently released Defence Capability Plan.

The $957 million will target Defence Force missions, people, estate maintenance and international engagement, equating to $239 million a year, she says.

“Our personnel are being called upon to go more places, more often and for longer to play New Zealand’s part in contributing to global security. This funding will enable them to do that.”

Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Tony Davies says there is no doubt the global security environment is changing and the Defence Force needs to step up in contributing to global security.

“Annually this will include $150 million for Navy, Air Force and Army for direct operating and logistics costs, and some increases in our military personnel numbers,” he said.

“This funding will enable the NZDF to sail, fly, patrol and train more often.

“It will assist with rebuilding combat capability through additional field exercises, increasing military personnel numbers, and will mean mission critical systems and capabilities are maintained and available to respond to security threats and other operational tasks as needed.”

Other activities include funding for international deployments ($20 million), a refreshed system of military allowances ($30 million) and funding for civilian staff pay increases ($8 million).

An annual investment of $26 million is earmarked for critical estate maintenance to improve accommodation, working and training conditions for Defence Force personnel.

“$957 million over four years is a welcome uplift in operational funding which reflects the value that the Government sees in the NZDF and its people and enables us to increasingly step up both domestically and internationally.”

Budget 2025 also recognises the Defence Force’s $30 million saving being proposed through the Workplace Savings Programme.

Read the official release from the Beehive here. 

The Royal New Zealand Navy has welcomed 14 sailors and officers to its Navy Reserve Force following a graduation ceremony this month.

30 April, 2025

Camaraderie, a chance to give back and a desire for challenge inspired the latest cohort of New Zealanders to join the Naval Reserve Force.

On 13 April, nine sailors and five officers graduated from their 10-month Naval Reserve Common Training (NRCT) course in a ceremony hosted at the Museum of the Royal New Zealand Navy in Devonport.

They will now post to Naval Reserve units closest to their homes to undertake trade training and promotion courses.

NRCT provides almost identical training to Regular Force personnel but is delivered part-time, with graduates balancing their training with work and study commitments, as well as being away from family.

The graduates had to complete two nine-day-long training blocks at Devonport Naval Base and Tamaki Leadership Centre in Whangaparaoa, as well as four training weekends. Officers had two additional training blocks and two more training weekends for leadership training.

Left to right: Sub Lieutenant Vinayak Dev, Ordinary Maritime Trade Operator Nora Paicu and Ordinary Maritime Trade Operator Jacob Sale.

Fitting it all in was a challenge for Sub Lieutenant Vinayak Dev, a psychologist from Auckland studying for his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Psychology.

“It was also challenging to miss important family events whilst being away for the residential aspects of the NRCT,” he says.

“However, in overcoming these challenges, I have become more resilient, improved my time management skills, become more efficient at completing tasks at work, and have further strengthened my relationships with my family members, supervisors at university, and colleagues at work.”

He is the first Navy Reserve psychologist to graduate from NRCT.

“I wanted to give something back for all New Zealand has given me over the years,” he says.

“This has helped develop attributes I aspire to – leadership, physical and mental fitness, resilience, courage, perseverance, camaraderie, integrity, and a strong sense of personal meaning, purpose and conviction in life.”

Ordinary Maritime Trade Operator Nora Paicu was inspired to join after a experiencing a Sir Peter Blake expedition in HMNZS Canterbury to the sub-Antarctic islands in 2023 while a student at Colomba College in Dunedin. She also completed a School to Seas experience with the Navy that year.

“Meeting the commanding officer of HMNZS Canterbury and witnessing the camaraderie of the crew showcased the Navy’s inclusive culture and unique way of life that supports New Zealand.

“I was deeply impressed by the positive impact they make, from supporting conservation efforts to serving New Zealand communities.”

She is undertaking a triple degree in law, management, and agricultural innovation at the University of Otago, and is thinking of joining the Navy full time.

Ordinary Maritime Trade Operator Jacob Sale works in a civilian role at the Naval Supply Depot in Devonport.

“I saw the great work our uniform staff do daily and wanted to be a part of it. I wanted to challenge myself, develop new skills and serve my country.”

He says a highlight was being with a diverse group of people from different backgrounds, all with a common goal of serving.

Another was a sea-riding experience aboard HMNZS Canterbury for the graduates.

“It was an immersive and insightful view of being able to see life on a Navy ship and how departments operate and a first-hand look at naval life.”

His advice to others is: “come and join us.

“It gives you a sense of purpose and pride you can get nowhere else.”