Kia Matahuhua me te Whai Wāhi
Valuing Diversity and Inclusion
Our people are our priority and our greatest asset. Diversity in our people brings diversity in experiences, perspectives and insights that are fundamental to our success, working together as one for the good of New Zealand.
The New Zealand Defence Force's active commitment to building a diverse and inclusive workplace is part of our drive to keep our people well, included, respected, enabled and safe so they can do their job to the best of their ability, have a fulfilling career and ultimately, contribute to a high performing Defence Force.
The benefits of increasing the diversity of our workforce and inclusion of all people include ensuring we can:
- compete to attract and keep New Zealand’s most talented people from the widest talent pool possible
- seize the ‘cognitive edge’ through our agile thinking and innovative problem solving (leading to greater operational effectiveness)
- ensure support from the people we work amongst nationally and internationally to work closely and professionally together as one force.
Our commitments
Inclusive and diverse Force
All of our people are responsible for creating a more inclusive Defence Force through their behaviours and we are committed to this journey. By bringing our values of Tū Kaha (courage), Tū Tika (commitment), Tū Tira (comradeship) and Tū Maia (comradeship) to life, we help to support and enable others and strengthen our teams.
United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles (UN WEPs)
In March 2020, the NZDF adopted the UN WEPs. The NZDF is committed to gender equality and has a vision of being an organisation where all genders can thrive and gender equality is a priority. NZDF aims to be an international leader for gender equality, and have a workforce where women and diverse genders (including Māori, Pacific and women of other ethnic groups) are valued, included, safe and empowered.
Alignment with Te Kawa Mataaho/Public Service Commission
In addition to our programmes, the NZDF seeks to align with Te Kawa Mataaho/Public Service Commission, specifically their work in relation to addressing the gender and ethnic pay gaps as well as the Papa Pounamu diversity and inclusion work programme(external link) .
See our Kia Toipoto Pay Gaps Action Plan (PDF, 305 KB).