We’re a force for New Zealand

We’re a force for peace and security

We’re a force for those in need

We’re a force for good

We’re a force for our communities

Inside the cockpit of a C-130 hercules, three aircrew members with headset on navigate a blue and cloudy sky

Evacuees board a Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130H(NZ) Hercules aircraft at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul. NZDF personnel stand at the ramp of the aircraft to support them and provide security

A C-130 Hercules aircraft carries out a load drop during an exercise

In the foreground a young child smiles while sitting on his bike out of excitement seeing the Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopter flying in the background. It's a sunny summer day with some cloud and dry grass.

Latest
Stories

Chief of Defence Force recognised for decades of service and leadership

03 June 2024

Media Release

NZDF supports Papua Guinea landslide response

31 May 2024

Organisation

Flying on silver wings

31 May 2024

Ops & exercises

NZDF to send humanitarian aid and experts to Papua New Guinea

30 May 2024

Organisation

Waka ama racing helps Wellington Air Force member connect with her Samoan side

29 May 2024

Media Release

Ohakea Firefighter breaks records

28 May 2024

People

New Caledonia departures

27 May 2024

Story Collection

Assisted departure flights continue from New Caledonia

27 May 2024

Organisation

Celebrating Samoa Language Week

27 May 2024

People

Manahi Sword returned to Rotorua iwi and presented to new Defence Force chief

24 May 2024

Media Release

Third Royal New Zealand Air Force flight for New Zealanders in New Caledonia

24 May 2024

Organisation

Kiwi patch goes pink

24 May 2024

Life in service

Former Woodbourne recruit returns as new Base Commander

23 May 2024

Media Release

Royal New Zealand Air Force aircraft involved in safe return of New Zealanders

23 May 2024

Organisation

Royal New Zealand Air Force recognised in Search and Rescue awards

22 May 2024

Organisation

Marking 80 years since the Battles of Cassino

21 May 2024

Story Collection

Support to Ukraine

20 May 2024

Story Collection

NZDF successful in transport of aid to communities in Papua New Guinea

15 May 2024

In the community

Mother's Day 2024

12 May 2024

People

RNZAF Hercules, NZDF personnel arrive in Papua New Guinea to help distribute relief supplies

10 May 2024

Media Release

Burnham fire

09 May 2024

Story Collection

First of Class: When bad weather is a good thing

01 May 2024

Capability

New Zealand Defence Force wraps up raft of Solomon Islands support

29 April 2024

Media Release

Defence Force ceremony wows Anzac League fans

26 April 2024

In the community

NZDF & ADF combine to overcome Gallipoli commemoration hurdles

26 April 2024

Media Release

Anzac Day marked around the world by New Zealand Defence Force personnel

25 April 2024

Media Release

NZDF Gallipoli contingent ‘in good position’ for Anzac Day

25 April 2024

Kiwi veterans mark more than 30 years since Somalia deployment

24 April 2024

Media Release

Changes to ceremonial duties in Gallipoli for NZDF

24 April 2024

Media Release

Anzac Day Flypasts 2024

23 April 2024

Capability

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We are the Royal New Zealand Air Force ? Te Tauaarangi o Aotearoa

We provide New Zealand with responsive and effective air power to meet its national interests. We are an agile and adaptive Air Force with the versatility essential for New Zealand Defence Force operations. As such, we are a modern and dynamic part of the Defence Force. We’ve got the right equipment to perform our primary roles: airborne surveillance and reconnaissance, combat, and air mobility.

Learn more about what we do

We are a force of highly trained professionals.

We come from all walks of life and share a strong sense of what it means to be Kiwi - our culture is based on our values T? Kaha (courage), T? Tika (commitment), T? Tira (comradeship) and T? Maia (integrity). Together, we are Force for New Zealand and are proud to serve Aotearoa and its diverse communities.

More about our people

We operate a number of different aircraft types used for both training and operations.

Aircraft

Meet our leaders

About our structure

Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb

Chief of Air Force

Air Commodore Daniel (DJ) Hunt

Deputy Chief of Air Force

Air Commodore Andy Scott

Air Component Commander

Warrant Officer Kerry Williams

Warrant Officer of the Air Force

Considering a career in the Air force?

A big part of our work in the Air Force involves assisting communities affected by conflict or natural disasters. The fact that we work to protect and help people is one very good reason why we're so passionate about what we do. It gives our lives real meaning and purpose.

Find out more