NZDF joins PNG in celebrating 50 years of independence and defence force history

The head of New Zealand’s Army is in Port Moresby as Papua New Guinea (PNG) hosts its first-ever Defence Force Week and commemorates 50 years of independence from Australia.

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is contributing to this historic occasion with aircraft and personnel.

Major General Rose King says the partnership between Papua New Guinea and New Zealand’s Defence Force (NZDF) is a very important one.

“This is a partner nation that we work closely together and have done for years,” King says.

“We train together, we do a lot together, and it's just showing our support to them, and also we learn from them as well. So it's a great relationship.”

Appointed as Chief of Army in August 2024, King is the first woman to hold the position and will serve as the senior NZDF officer during PNG Defence Force Week.

Members of the PNGDF outside PNG Parliament. Photo/Facebook Monsta Photography

The history between the defence forces of New Zealand and Papua New Guinea dates back to World War II, when military officers exchanged training in jungle warfare and provided medical assistance to one another.

New Zealand has played a key role in the Bougainville peace process by hosting talks and deploying peace monitors.

The two defence forces regularly engage in joint training exercises, such as Exercise Phoenix Kumul, which includes mortar training, jungle survival, and patrol operations.

Listen to Major General Rose King's full interview below.

They also work together on maritime surveillance missions like Operation Kurukuru, which targets illegal fishing across the Pacific.

Despite their strong ties, the partnership faces challenges. The difficult terrain of Papua New Guinea and its limited infrastructure complicate military logistics.

Both nations also deal with maritime security pressures related to illegal fishing and transnational crime.

The PNGDF struggles with capacity constraints and inadequate resources, while both countries increasingly share the burden of responding to natural disasters and addressing the impacts of climate change.

On 16 September, Papua New Guinea will mark 50 years of independence from Australia, with notable leaders expected to attend, including Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.

During PNG Defence Week, the NZDF is supporting the celebrations by deploying a C-130J Hercules and two NH90 helicopters to deliver medical supplies, education resources, and construction equipment to remote villages in PNG’s southern region.

Kick starting the Military Week activities, the PNG Defence Force conducted an exercise "Freedom of Entry March" into Port Moresby City. Photo/Facebook Monsta Photography

The New Zealand Army Band and members from the Navy and Air Force will also perform as part of a military tattoo involving 10 nations.

King says this week is not only a major milestone for PNG but also a chance to reaffirm ties across the Pacific.

“Like any relationship, you want to be there in good times and in times of challenges. And this time, it’s a celebration. It just shows the closeness of the relationship and how we work together.”

For King, visiting PNG for the first time adds personal significance to the occasion.

“It's a key milestone, 50 years is a long time, and I'm really looking forward to it and being able to celebrate with them the successes that they have achieved.”