Source: New Zealand Defence Force
7 August 2026
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has formally assumed the hosting and leadership of the Pacific Response Group (PRG) from the Australian Defence Force (ADF), as the regional crisis response capability heads into its third year.
A handover ceremony was held at Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand in Trentham, Upper Hutt this week.
The PRG, established in 2024 under the South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting, is a multinational capability designed to deliver coordinated military support to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) and crisis response operations across the Pacific.
The PRG brings together defence personnel from New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, France, Papua New Guinea and Tonga, with Chile participating in a supporting role.
Each member nation contributes specialist planners and staff across key functions including operations, logistics, intelligence, health and communications.
Leadership of the PRG has transitioned from the ADF to the NZDF, reflecting the shared commitment of partner nations to collective security and resilience in the Pacific.
Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Major General Rob Krushka said the PRG was a practical demonstration of Pacific nations working together to support one another in times of need.
“Natural disasters in our region are increasing in frequency. The PRG ensures we can respond smarter, together.
“This is about supporting our Pacific neighbours, respecting sovereignty, and working alongside civilian agencies to deliver the right assistance at the right time.”
Designed as a short-notice, deployable headquarters element, the PRG supports civilian-led responses to disasters, helping coordinate military contributions and assessing requirements on the ground.
It can deploy planning teams to affected areas to determine what assistance is required, while coordinating the delivery of critical capabilities with a national disaster management agency or from contributing nations.
The PRG builds on decades of Pacific militaries working together during natural disasters and severe weather events, formalising and strengthening a cooperative approach to HADR across the region.
It also enables Pacific countries without standing militaries to request military support when disasters strike.
Since becoming operational in late 2024, the PRG has participated in multinational exercises such as Exercise Croix du Sud in New Caledonia, where it tested its ability to coordinate complex, large-scale disaster responses.
Under NZDF leadership, the PRG will continue to enhance preparedness, interoperability and readiness across member nations, ensuring the region is better equipped to respond to future crises.
Major General Krushka said the handover signalled continuity as well as progress.
“The transition of leadership reflects the shared ownership of the PRG. Together, we are strengthening a capability that is by the Pacific, for the Pacific.
“New Zealand is proud to assume leadership of this important initiative, building on the strong foundations established by Australia and our regional partners.”
The team will be based alongside the NZDF’s operational headquarters at Trentham until mid-2028, when the leadership role will be handed over to another host nation.
PHOTO CAPTIONS
Photo 1: The Pacific Response Group is made up of personnel from New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, France, Papua New Guinea and Tonga, with Chile participating in a supporting role
Photo 2: Warrant Officer One Brent Pene blows the conch to begin the pōwhiri
Photo 3: Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Tony Davies addresses the audience