Auditor-General finds NZDF staff accepted over $418,000 in gifts

Monday 30 June 2025 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Mon 30 Jun 2025, 6:17pm

In this story New Zealand Defence Force, Office of the Auditor-General

An inquiry by the Auditor-General found the New Zealand Defence Force accepted more than 2,500 gifts and hospitality offers from suppliers between 2016 and 2025. Items included smart watches, fishing charters, and America's Cup yacht hosting. The probe warned these practices risk undermining public and Parliamentary confidence in contracting decisions.

How they headlined it

4:45pm6:17pm

1. 1NewsMon 30 Jun 2025, 4:45pm

   NZDF accepted nearly half-million in gifts, probe finds (opens in new tab)

2. StuffMon 30 Jun 2025, 5:01pm

   Defence Force staff accepted smart watches and fishing charters from suppliers (opens in new tab)

3. RNZMon 30 Jun 2025, 5:18pm

   NZDF receives hundreds of gifts from commercial suppliers (opens in new tab)

4. NZ HeraldMon 30 Jun 2025, 6:17pm

   Inquiry finds NZDF accepted $418k in gifts, calls for careful policy (opens in new tab)