NZ Army medics hone their skills 5,000ft above sea level
16 April 2025
Mahi whakaora
Humanitarian assistance & disaster relief
When disaster strikes, putting life, health and property at risk, people’s lives are turned upside-down. Communities, regions or even whole countries can need help as quickly as possible.
Our Defence Force is uniquely capable of responding quickly to unfolding events. We train to operate in tough conditions and a variety of environments. We are disciplined, well-coordinated and have vehicles, ships and aircraft, as well as personnel trained to operate in difficult situations, that can quickly deploy to a disaster site. The Defence Force maintains experts who can assess the scale of the disaster and determine what to do with the people and equipment we have available.
These area some of our stories
Wind and wet no barrier to RNZAF and police teamwork
31 March 2025
Ops & exercises
NZDF medics prepare for ‘inevitable’ natural disaster
25 March 2025
Ops & exercises
Christchurch-based soldier nominated for Kiwi of the Year
12 March 2025
In the community
RNZAF helicopter squadron wins international accolade for Gabrielle response
03 February 2025
Organisation
More Air Force flights supporting Vanuatu response
31 December 2024
Media Release
Surveillance, aid, responders and evacuees covered by RNZAF Vanuatu flights
20 December 2024
New Zealand Defence Force Support to Vanuatu
18 December 2024
RNZAF firefighter awarded 2024 Aviator of the Year
28 November 2024
People
RNZAF’s No. 3 Squadron recognised for Cyclone Gabrielle response
25 November 2024
In the community
New RNZAF Hercules put straight to work
10 September 2024
Media Release
Our other areas of work
