NZ Defence Force takes out rainbow honours in diversity, inclusion

The military group has campaigned strongly for continued commitment to supporting rainbow communities by hosting a Pride in Defence conference, partnering with Pride Pledge, rolling out training workshops, supporting a Big Gay Out event, and gaining a reaccredited Rainbow Tick over the last year.

New Zealand Defence Force Chief, Air Marshal Kevin Short said the NZDF is committed to being an inclusive organisation and welcome anyone who wants to serve.

“We want our rainbow communities to feel welcome, safe, and valued. This award symbolises how far we have come as an inclusive defence force that recognises the strengths that a diverse and inclusive workforce brings,” Air Marshal Short said.

“I would like to extend my thanks to all of our people who have been the driving force behind this positive change.

“We should be proud of how far we have come and the progress we continue to make.”

Air Vice-Marshal Tony Davies, the Vice Chief of the Defence Force, represented the NZDF at the Rainbow Excellence Awards this year.

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The NZDF was recognised as the most inclusive force in the world in a global survey published in 2014, which achieved Rainbow Tick certification in 2019, published a rainbow inclusion strategy in 2020 and took the Pride Pledge in 2021.

NZDF previously took out the Simpson Grierson Impact Award and Rainbow Tick Non-Commercial Sector Award at the 2021 New Zealand Rainbow Excellence Awards, as well as the Business Association Executive Leadership Award at the 2020 New Zealand Rainbow Excellence Awards.

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.