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Careers

I am not a New Zealand Citizen. Can I join the RNZAF?
In order to make application to join the RNZAF you should normally be a New Zealand citizen. You can however apply to join if you are not a New Zealand citizen but have been granted permanent residency status. For some career options, including all officer and aircrew positions, you must be a New Zealand citizen or from Australia, Canada, United Kingdom or United States of America. If you do not have New Zealand citizenship but met the above criteria the Chief of the Defence Force will consider your application and, if successful, you will be offered a contract for 5 years 8 months. During this time you must gain New Zealand citizenship.
Testing - Recruitment Procedures?
Once your Recruiting Officer receives your application you will then be sent more information about your scheme and trade choice. At the same time, we'll let you know a date and time for you to come in to undergo a series of aptitude tests. These tests will cover general reasoning, mathematics, English, mechanical and electrical knowledge. Once you have passed these tests an interview will be arranged with your Recruiting Officer. At this stage you must bring with you the following: Four passport-sized photographs Curriculum Vitae Birth Certificate Examination Certificates School Reports References and any other relevant information
What salary will I be paid?
The minimum salary on entry will be $31,894.00. You will also receive many other benefits like free uniforms, free medical and dental care etc. Your salary will increase significantly as you gain qualifications and promotions. If you are not joining straight from school, your salary will depend on your experience and qualifications.
What about medical and dental care costs?
The Air Force, at no cost to you, provides all your medical and dental care.
Do I have to pass a medical?
Yes, you'll be required to meet medical standards for general health, eyesight and hearing.
What are the joining dates?
There are usually three intakes per year for new recruits - January, May and September. For 2009 and 2010 there will only be two intakes - February and July. Officer intakes are in January and July. The selection courses for the officer and aircrew intakes are conducted in April and September.
Do I have to pay for living expenses such as food and accommodation?
There is now a universal accommodation allowance paid as part of your remuneration package. You can still live on base in barracks or in Air Force housing but you will pay market rates for rent based on the size of your house. Food is available in respective messes at a cost of between two and five dollars per meal.
Does the Air Force have a superannuation scheme and will I be eligible to join?
Yes, we do have a superannuation scheme and all personnel are required to join kiwisaver on enlistment. Contributing to kiwisaver is encouraged but you may opt out at your discretion.
Do I have to pay for my uniform?
No, you will be issued with, and will be able to purchase, new uniform free of charge.
What fitness test does the Air Force use to assess someone's fitness level?
The Air Force uses an OPERATIONAL FITNESS TEST (OFT) to assess physical fitness. A pass in this test must be obtained for you to be successful on Recruit and Officer training. The OFT comprises of the following two elements: a. A timed 5 km march, carrying an evenly distributed weight of 20 Kg, which is representative of a helmet, flak jacket, Steyr, 120 rounds of ammunition, webbing, 1.5L water, and a first aid kit. This tests cardio respiratory fitness, and is an indicator of general locomotion, core (abdominal) stability, and the ability to carry operational equipment. b. Continuous push-ups. While being easy to administer, push-ups provide a reliable indication of the upper body and abdominal muscular endurance. Training for push-ups also assists in maintaining the bone mineral density and is therefore of additional benefit to older personnel. For further information please see our Fitness Information section.
What are the accommodation facilities like?
Accommodation on the base is usually single rooms and you have access to a bar and lounge area (we call it a mess) where you can relax with friends. The single rooms have a bed, basin and wardrobe facilities. Because this is you own space you can add your own comforts such as a TV and stereo. The Air Force housing vary from blocks of flats to stand alone houses. These are all located within a few kilometres of the base.
How fit do I need to be to join the Air Force?
You will need a good level of fitness. If you exercise two-three times per week you should have no problem. Pre-joining fitness programmes are available from your Recruiting Office and please ask them for a copy.
How much time do you spend in uniform?
You will be required to wear uniform during the normal working day and if you are required for duty. Out of hours you are not required to wear uniform.
Is there a minimum amount of time you have to work for the Air Force after you have completed your training?
After you have completed your initial training and then trade training, you may have a return of service to serve before being able to leave the Air Force. For a pilot the return of service is 10 years. Most ground trades have a return of service of between 1 and 2 years. A recruiting officer can provide you with more information on returns of service for the career option you are interested in.
Where do I live?
During your initial Air Force training you will be required to "live in" at RNZAF Base Woodbourne. After that you can choose to find your own accommodation or live in base accommodation. If you have dependants an application can be made for you to live in Air Force housing.
What holidays will I get?
You will get 21 days annual leave plus statutory holidays.
Can I continue playing sport in the Air Force?
Most certainly. The Air Force actively encourages participation in sporting activities and provides many free facilities so you can do so. On each base you and your immediate family will have access to a great many sporting and recreational facilities. There is a fully equipped gym (complete with training instructors), heated swimming pool, squash and tennis courts.
What is the age requirement to join the Air Force?
You must be 17 years of age on the day of entry.
How long is the working day?
The working day on base is from 7.45am to 4.30 pm. You will occasionally have to work some weekends and maybe subject to shift work, depending on the trade you choose. Any work done out of hours is generally compensated with extra leave or stand down.
How long do you have to stay in the Air Force?
Most people are offered a 15 year initial engagement, however you are free to resign from the Air Force at any time giving 3 months notice if you have completed your return of service obligation from training.