Defence Act 1990

4: Application of Act

You could also call this:

"This law applies to New Zealand and its people, both at home and overseas."

This Act applies to New Zealand and to naval ships and defence areas outside New Zealand. You are covered by this Act if you are in New Zealand. This Act also applies to New Zealand citizens and some other people who are outside New Zealand, including members of the Armed Forces.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM205880.

This page was last updated on 14 December 2025 — View changes

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3: Act to bind the Crown, or

"This law applies to the government."

5: Power to raise armed forces, or

"The Governor-General can create and manage armed forces to protect New Zealand."

4Application of Act

Except as otherwise provided in this Act, either specifically or by necessary implication, this Act shall, in addition to applying to New Zealand, apply to all naval ships and defence areas outside New Zealand.
Except as otherwise provided in this Act, either specifically or by necessary implication, this Act shall, in addition to applying to all persons for the time being within New Zealand, apply to all New Zealand citizens and persons ordinarily resident in New Zealand who are for the time being outside New Zealand, and to all members of the Armed Forces for the time being outside New Zealand notwithstanding that they may not be New Zealand citizens or ordinarily resident in New Zealand.