Does NZ Defence Force pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, NZ Defence Force employees rate their compensation and benefits as 2.7 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at NZ Defence Force. This rating has decreased by 11% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at NZ Defence Force?

62% of NZ Defence Force employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated NZ Defence Force 3.2 out of 5 for work life balance, 3.3 for culture and values and 3.1 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at NZ Defence Force?

Aircraft Technician (7) , Officer (6) , Army Soldier (5) , Engineer (4) , Infantryman (4) , Analyst (3) , Logistics Specialist (3) , Maintenance Technician (3) , Soldier (3) , Air Warfare Officer (2) , Aircraft Maintenance Technician (2) , Customer Support Agent (2) , Electronics Technician (2) , Intelligence Analyst (2) , Manager (2)

What are the pros of working at NZ Defence Force according to real employee reviews?

"Good people to work with and purpose" ((in 12 reviews)); "Good benefits and good work mates" ((in 8 reviews)); "Good training and discipline for young workers" ((in 7 reviews)); "Amazing opportunities to do things that no other organisation can give you." ((in 6 reviews)); "Great job security, non monetary benefits" ((in 5 reviews))

What are the cons of working at NZ Defence Force according to real employee reviews?

"Not much sleep and long hours" ((in 4 reviews)); "Bad management" ((in 4 reviews)); "Poor leadership" ((in 4 reviews)); "Performance reporting by immediate and higher superiors is often limited, impacting career management." ((in 3 reviews)); "life balance heavily skewed in favour of work" ((in 3 reviews))

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NZ Defence Force

NZ Defence Force Reviews

3.4

62% would recommend to a friend

(178 total reviews)

Air Marshal Tony Davies

41% approve of CEO

29% positive business outlook

Ratings by category

3.4

Diversity and inclusion

3.3

Culture and values

3.2

Work/Life balance

3.1

Career opportunities

2.7

Senior management

2.7

Compensation and benefits

NZ Defence Force has an employee rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars, based on 178 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The NZ Defence Force employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Government and public administration industry (3.6 stars).

Reviews by job title

178 reviews

4.0

Mar 2, 2026

Really good place to work

Procurement specialist

Recommend

CEO approval

Business outlook

Pros

Great colleagues, skilled and passionate professionals. Exciting work.

Cons

Buerocratic (although to an extent needs to be as secure and heirarchical enviroment).

2.0

Feb 4, 2026

Leadership

Principal

Recommend

CEO approval

Business outlook

Pros

Some great leaders but some who will close ranks

Cons

Closing ranks against civilian employees

3.0

Dec 5, 2025

Defence force engineering

Engineering officer

Recommend

CEO approval

Business outlook

Pros

Variety with a new job every 2-3 years, travel, purpose.

Cons

Pay, work life balance, no premium super or leave like the old days, lack of locational stability.

Viewing 1 - 3 of 178 Reviews

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