The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) will deploy up to 41 additional personnel to the Republic of Korea, increasing the size of its contribution to the United Nations Command (UNC) and its Military Armistice Commission from 12 to up to 53 personnel.
Up to six of the additional personnel will take on roles in the UNC Honour Guard, while an infantry platoon of up to 35 of the additional personnel will join the UNC Security Battalion operating in the Demilitarised Zone between North and South Korea.
They will work alongside contributing nations, including the Republic of Korea, the United States, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the Philippines.
“This decision reflects our strong commitment to the Republic of Korea, and our need to step up to better support peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and the Indo-Pacific more widely,” said Defence Minister Judith Collins.
"This deployment is an excellent opportunity for our NZDF personnel to utilise their skills, leadership and experience in a multinational environment," she added.
The New Zealand government recently extended the mandate for its deployment to the Republic of Korea until September 2026.
The NZDF has contributed to the UNC and its Military Armistice Commission since 1998.