New Zealand delays international force rotations
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) will postpone routine personnel rotations as a result of the travel restrictions introduced globally to tackle COVID-19.
Whilst rotations will not take place, the NZFD reiterated that it is not withdrawing any of its forces from existing missions.
RAdm. Jim Gilmour, Commander of Joint Forces New Zealand, said: ‘Usually, we would be rotating personnel on missions after six or 12 months, depending on the nature of the deployment.’
He continued: ‘because of border closures, travel restrictions and other measures imposed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 we are compelled to postpone several planned rotations.’
The government announced on 20 April that the country will move out of Alert Level 4 lockdown on 27 April at 23:59.
The country will then remain at Level 3 lockdown for 14 days until the cabinet decides whether to lift the lockdown on 11 May.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)]()
Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)
At DSEI 2025, Shephard's Alix Valenti spoke to Project Kuiper's Rich Pang about the importance of enabling seamless communication between allied forces such as NATO members in challenging operational environments.
-
![Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft]()
Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft
The procurement and acceleration production plans – some of which still await approval – across the air and land domains will aim to strengthen the operational needs of the Israel Defense Forces.
-
![US reforms its defence acquisition system to focus on commercial capabilities]()
US reforms its defence acquisition system to focus on commercial capabilities
This shift is planned to accelerate the procurement and fielding of capabilities. As part of this strategy, the US also intends modernise its regulations in an attempt to change its bureaucratic and risk-averse culture.
