Defence

Reza Nazar Ahari attacked the US over its strikes, defended Iran's actions, and was pressed on the killing of thousands of its own citizens.

Iran ambassador criticises NZ, warns of 'rule of the jungle'

Reza Nazar Ahari said New Zealand's diplomatic silence had damaged the relationship between the two nations.

Sun, Apr 12

Foreign Minister Winston Peters, left, meeting Secretary of State Marco Rubio last year.

Analysis: Iran war looms over Peters meeting with Trump’s top diplomat

US Correspondent Logan Church reports from Washington DC as Winston Peters prepares to meet Marco Rubio.

Tue, Apr 7

Israeli security forces and rescue teams inspect a site struck by an Iranian missile in Petah Tikva

Two US aircraft shot down as war in Iran escalates, at least one missing

The incidents constitute a dramatic escalation in the war, marking the first time US aircraft had been downed in the conflict.

Sat, Apr 4

Army Chief of Staff General Randy George.

Hegseth asks Army's top uniformed officer to step down mid Iran-war

The Pentagon didn't give a reason for the firing, but In a video message last week, Hegseth said he wanted chaplains to focus more on God and less on therapeutic "self-help and self-care".

Fri, Apr 3

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, left, shakes hands with Anthony Albanese, Australia's prime minister.

EU and Australia sign free trade pact, new defence partnership

Both the EU and Australia are seeking to diversify their trading networks and reduce their economic reliance on China and exposure to US tariffs.

Tue, Mar 24

Iran ambassador criticises NZ, warns of 'rule of the jungle'

Reza Nazar Ahari said New Zealand's diplomatic silence had damaged the relationship between the two nations.

Sun, Apr 12

Analysis: Iran war looms over Peters meeting with Trump’s top diplomat

US Correspondent Logan Church reports from Washington DC as Winston Peters prepares to meet Marco Rubio.

Tue, Apr 7

Two US aircraft shot down as war in Iran escalates, at least one missing

The incidents constitute a dramatic escalation in the war, marking the first time US aircraft had been downed in the conflict.

Sat, Apr 4

Hegseth asks Army's top uniformed officer to step down mid Iran-war

The Pentagon didn't give a reason for the firing, but In a video message last week, Hegseth said he wanted chaplains to focus more on God and less on therapeutic "self-help and self-care".

Fri, Apr 3

EU and Australia sign free trade pact, new defence partnership

Both the EU and Australia are seeking to diversify their trading networks and reduce their economic reliance on China and exposure to US tariffs.

Tue, Mar 24

President Trump and President Macron of France.

Trump's failed strong-arming of allies on Iran shows that pressure is losing its effect

Military responses to the conflict in Iran — or lack thereof — from UK and European leaders have been described as a 'global raspberry'.

Sun, Mar 22

'Extreme risk': Retired general's warning about NZDF amid Iran conflict

John Howard has raised concerns about New Zealand’s vulnerabilities in national security across both the military and economic domains.

Sun, Mar 22

The anchored Royal New Zealand Navy vessel HMNZS Te Kaha pictured in Akaroa Harbour this afternoon.

Navy vessel spills up to 300 litres of oil in Akaroa Harbour

Up to 300 litres of lubricating oil leaked from HMNZS Te Kaha, with Environment Canterbury monitoring the clean‑up and warning the public to avoid affected areas.

Sun, Mar 8

February 2026

The former executive director of Human Rights Watch spoke to Q+A's Jack Tame.

NZ must build coalitions to defend human rights: visiting expert

Kenneth Roth is the former executive director of Human Rights Watch and spent decades investigating and exposing human rights violations.

Sun, Feb 22

The crew of the Mysterious Wonder wave as the P-3 Orion.

Air Force and Navy rescue men on small boat 200km from Tonga

The crew of the small wooden boat had been drifting in the Pacific Ocean for more than a week.

Thu, Feb 19

Navy commander not guilty in court martial over alleged kiss

Commander Bronwyn Heslop maintained her innocence throughout the trial over an alleged incident that occurred in 2023.

Wed, Feb 11

Navy personnel were socialising off duty at a civilian bar during an overseas deployment in 2023.

Court martial panel considers verdict after hearing conflicting accounts

A senior navy officer is on trial after a junior officer alleged they were encouraged to kiss the accused on the cheek in a social setting.

Tue, Feb 10

Ships of the Royal New Zealand Navy moored at their home port, Devonport Naval Dockyard.

Senior navy officer allegedly sought kiss from junior

The officer pleaded not guilty to one charge of doing an act likely to prejudice service discipline, under the Armed Forces Discipline Act.

Mon, Feb 9

HMNZS Canterbury to stop in Tokelau to mark centenary

Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro and her husband would make the journey on the Canterbury to the atolls of Atafu, Nukunono and Fakaofo next week.

Sat, Feb 7

Russian RS-24 Yars intercontinental ballistic missile launchers roll on Red Square during the Victory Day military parade

What US-Russia weapons treaty ending means for nuclear risk

Could a new arms race between Washington and Moscow soon accelerate, asks Tilman Ruff.

Wed, Feb 4

December 2025

The fisherman was found drifting in the Pacific Ocean off Tokelau.

NZDF helps rescue overdue fisherman drifting in Pacific

The New Zealand Defence Force P-8A Poseidon was on patrol when it responded to the emergency.

December 19, 2025

'Job done': Rousing welcome as HMNZS Aotearoa is home for Christmas

The ship spent 307 days away from New Zealand and sailed more than 31,000 nautical miles during a "busy operational year" for the Navy.

December 12, 2025

How Kiwi soldiers are helping train Ukraine forces

The Defence Force said it has been working with partners to deliver core soldiering skills in the UK and is also offering specialist skills training throughout Europe.

December 2, 2025

November 2025