Defence Force
US commander visits as military integration with 'kill chains' advances
A US army commander visiting NZ has praised how the US and NZ Defence Force are developing an integrated network, at the same time as the latest example of this integration comes to light. Audio
US wants partners - including NZ - to prepare for space wars
The new US Space Force strategy for international partnership calls for partners to engage in missions, wargaming and joint planning. Audio
Defence spoke to tech company behind US-Mexico border security towers
Meanwhile the government also wants to up its own game in supplying international markets with high-tech military systems.
Trio rescued from life raft in Pacific Ocean
Their launch was heading from New Zealand to Tonga when it ran into trouble.
How will NZ pay the higher premiums for defence spending?
Analysis: Defence spending is like insurance - you have to pay for it but you hope you never have to use it.
Morning Report Essentials for Monday 7 July 2025
In today's episode, the union representing midwives says Wellington Hospital cutting beds from its gynaecology and maternity wards in a trial aimed at making more room for patients from the… Audio
Air Force establishes first dedicated space unit
Monitoring potential dangers, such as intruders or eavesdroppers, is the focus of the country's new space squadron. Air Component Commander, Air Commodore Andy Scott spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
RNZAF launches first dedicated space unit
The No. 62 Squadron's initial focus will be on monitoring, analysing, and understanding space activity.
Morning Report Essentials for Tuesday 1 July 2025
In today's episode, the Government announces it will introduce new penalties for those who hurl coward punches, to reflect the gravity of their crime. The weight-loss injection Wegovy, that has the… Audio
Defence Force staff accepted gifts from commercial suppliers
An investigation by the Auditor-General has found Defence Force staff accepted gifts and hospitality from commercial suppliers, potentially undermining the integrity of those contracts. David Lemmon… Audio
Defence Force aircraft lands in Middle East to help stranded Kiwis
Defence Minister Judith Collins has reiterated people should leave Israel and Iran if they can do so safely.
US-Australia defence alliance alive and well, insists expert
Professor Alan Tidwell believes the agreement will change, but never end.
Defence Force's housing project fails to break ground
The Defence Force's flagship project to fix up poor housing that is bad for soldiers' health has failed to break ground two years after it was funded. Phil Pennington spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Soldier sentenced over intimate recording of woman without consent
Corporal Manu Anthony Smith has been sentenced to two months in a military jail but can continue serving in the army.
Soldier sentenced over intimate recording of woman without consent
Corporal Manu Anthony Smith has been sentenced to two months detention in a military jail and has also been ordered to pay $2000 in compensation to the woman.
Defence's Waiouru housing project fails to break ground two years after being funded.
RNZ understands a deal with Ngāti Rangi that underpinned the project fell over at the last minute.
Soldier guilty of taking intimate images of a woman without consent
Corporal Manu Smith has been facing a court martial.
NATO's secretary general to argue air, missile defence should increase by 400%
Mark Rutte will use a speech in London to push NATO members to boost defence spending.
PM unsure how Australian warship knocked parts of NZ offline
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon remains unaware how it happened, but said he was "sure" Judith Collins would find out. Audio
NZ using US Army wargame simulation software
The US Army unit behind the Decisive Action Training Environment said it helped army forces "out-think and outmanoeuvre adversaries".
