6 Nov 2026
- Trentham, Wellington
Full time
$104,720 per year
Mō te tūnga | About the role
As a Chaplain within the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), you will provide ministry to NZDF personnel (both military and civilian) and their families, serving as a friend and advisor to all. It is a unique ministry that can take you to the four corners of the earth, on sea or land deployments, wherever NZDF personnel are required to serve. Your duties include the following:
Providing responsive and preventative pastoral care to sailors, soldiers, aviators, civilians and their families, including support through relationship conflict, family dynamics, grief and loss, stress, and spiritual or religious matters, while maintaining a high level of confidentiality
Leading chapel services, weddings, military funerals and ceremonial services such as ANZAC Day commemorations, as well as delivering life skills education, providing religious advice and advocacy to command, and maintaining links with your own denomination
Deploying with NZDF personnel on land or sea, domestically and overseas, where you will advise command on local religious dynamics, build relationships with host communities, boost morale as a non-anxious presence and assist with critical incident management in times of crisis or emergency
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience
Chaplaincy is an institution of both the NZDF and the Church, so you will enter the NZDF with, and keep, the ongoing support of your sending faith body. To be considered for the role you will normally require the following:
Minimum entry requirement (MER) of a tertiary theological or equivalent degree to NZQA Level 7.
Ordained, licensed, commissioned or otherwise fully authorised to officiate on behalf of your faith, having normally completed five years of full-time pastoral ministry, and in good standing with the support of your sending faith body.
Able to pass an Officer Selection Board and meet the medical, fitness and security requirements, including citizenship criteria for a national security clearance. There is no upper age limit for our recruits.
Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you
Safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.
NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply
This is a position within the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) so you will need to complete our military application process.
View our step-by-step guide on applying for military roles at www.defencecareers.mil.nz/the-application-process
To apply, create a profile and complete your application at www.defencecareers.mil.nz/apply
The successful applicant will join their chosen military Service and complete initial Officer training, gaining institutional knowledge of the NZDF and basic military skills. Training start dates are:
- July 2027 for Navy Chaplain
- August 2027 for Royal New Zealand Airforce Chaplain, and
- January 2028 for Army Chaplain
Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by a Candidate Engagement Facilitator (CEF).
or more information visit www.defencecareers.mil.nz or email specialists@defencecareers.mil.nz