NZ Defence Force deploying aircraft to Middle East for evacuations

Sunday 22 June 2025 · 6 outlets · 7 reports · updated Sun 22 Jun 2025, 4:29pm

In this story Winston Peters, Donald Trump, New Zealand Defence Force, Judith Collins

The New Zealand Defence Force is deploying a C-130J Hercules and personnel to the Middle East to assist New Zealanders stranded in Iran and Israel. The aircraft is scheduled to depart Auckland on Monday following US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

How they headlined it

2:45pm4:29pm

1. StuffSun 22 Jun 2025, 2:45pm

   NZ Air Force to help Kiwis evacuate from Middle East (opens in new tab)

   Also on The Press (opens in new tab)

2. RNZSun 22 Jun 2025, 2:52pm

   Watch: Winston Peters, Judith Collins speak on Israel-Iran conflict from RNZAF base (opens in new tab)

   • Defence Force to send plane to assist New Zealanders in stranded Iran and Israel (opens in new tab) Sun 22 Jun 2025, 3:01pm
3. NZ HeraldSun 22 Jun 2025, 2:56pm

   US strikes on Iran: New Zealand deploying Defence Force plane to Middle East (opens in new tab)

4. 1NewsSun 22 Jun 2025, 3:00pm

   NZ deploys aircraft to assist evacuations after US strikes on Iran (opens in new tab)

5. Otago Daily TimesSun 22 Jun 2025, 3:19pm

   Defence Force deploying plane to Middle East (opens in new tab)

6. The Press via The PostSun 22 Jun 2025, 4:29pm

   Luxon urged 'no military action' hours before Trump struck Iran (opens in new tab)