The Minister of Defence is in charge of New Zealand's defence. You know the Minister has a big role in keeping New Zealand safe. The Minister controls the New Zealand Defence Force through the Chief of Defence Force.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM205884.

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

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Government and voting > Government departments

6: Further powers of Governor-General, or

"The Governor-General's extra powers over New Zealand's armed forces"

8: Chief of Defence Force, or

"The Boss of New Zealand's Armed Forces"

Part 1Constitutional position of armed forces

7Power of Minister of Defence

For the purposes of the general responsibility of the Minister in relation to the defence of New Zealand, the Minister shall have the power of control of the New Zealand Defence Force, which shall be exercised through the Chief of Defence Force.