As part of the 2026 Tasman Scheme’s exchange activities, 13 Australian Defence Force reservists soaked up New Zealand’s Māori culture and took in the atmosphere of a parochial rugby league crowd in Wellington on the country’s north island.
Meanwhile, across the ditch, seven New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) members toured Australian Navy ships and military bases in Sydney and Canberra, learning as much as they could about their Anzac counterparts’ capabilities.
And, no sooner had this year’s reservists finished debriefing than preparations have begun for next year’s program of professional exchanges, capability familiarisation and cultural engagement activities.
Nominations will soon be open for the 2027 Tasman Scheme, an initiative to strengthen cooperation and interoperability between the two forces since 1993.
NZDF Contingent Commander Sub-Lieutenant Graham Nelson said the 2026 program was educational.
“I feel incredibly privileged to gain such valuable insights and learnings from this program, and to explore how we can apply them to our own units back home,” he said.
The delegation – drawn from reservists across NZDF – visited Fleet Base East, RAAF Base Richmond, Holsworthy Barracks, Victoria Barracks and the Australian War Memorial. Concurrently, the ADF contingent in New Zealand moved from Devonport through Ohakea and Waiouru, down to Trentham (Wellington).
ADF Contingent Commander Major Kari Siljama said personnel gained invaluable knowledge and a deep appreciation of the capabilities within the NZDF.
“We witnessed the beauty of Aotearoa (Māori for New Zealand), experienced the Māori culture and made lasting connections with our hosts from the NZDF,” Major Siljama said.
The key activity was Anzac Day, where the contingent supported the NRL pre-game commemoration at Hnry Stadium in Wellington. The Tasman Scheme guard – consisting of 20 ADF/NZDF personnel, carried national flags onto the field before a record crowd of 34,500.
‘I feel incredibly privileged to gain such valuable insights and learnings from this program, and to explore how we can apply them to our own units back home.’
The Sydney-based component centred on a two-day engagement at Fleet Base East, where the NZDF contingent received operational insights, capability demonstrations and a briefing from the Amphibious Task Group.
The reservists toured HMA Ships Adelaide and Canberra, as well as the Hobart-class air warfare destroyer HMAS Sydney, providing first-hand exposure to the ADF’s air defence and amphibious capabilities.
Head of the Reserve and Cadet Support Division Major General Michelle Campbell said the Tasman Scheme delivered tangible benefits for both nations and directly supported joint operational capabilities.
“The Tasman Scheme provides direct strategic value to both the ADF and NZDF. It enhances interoperability and mutual understanding, supports workforce modernisation efforts, and strengthens the bilateral defence relationship,” Major General Campbell said.
“It’s an opportunity that offers genuine professional development, real exposure to a partner force, the chance to build trusted networks that help to ensure we remain closely integrated, adaptable and ready to operate together.”
Corporal Selma Davis, of NZDF, said the program highlighted the value of partner force cooperation.
“The experience has also significantly enhanced my understanding of NZDF/ADF interoperability,” Corporal Davis said.
“As a result, I am now keen to participate in future combined exercises, such as Talisman Sabre 27 – something I would not have considered prior to this trip.”
The Tasman Scheme underscores the special partnership between Australia and New Zealand, highlighting the importance of people-to-people bonds in sustaining effective trans-Tasman cooperation.
Planning for Tasman Scheme 2027 is now underway, with nominations open August 1-31.
