About Us

DTA provides high quality advice, solutions and technologies across all areas of Defence Operations. Our advice is based on good scientific practice, is independent, unbiased and transparent.

We are the main provider of research, science and technology support to the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

We are a business unit of the NZDF with facilities at the Devonport Naval Base in Auckland, and some staff are based at the NZDF Headquarters in Wellington.

Our main stakeholders are the NZDF and the Ministry of Defence. We also work with:

• other government agencies and Crown entities in New Zealand
• other science and technology providers in New Zealand and overseas
• defence organisations overseas
• the wider scientific community (including research organisations and universities)
• public and private sector organisations and businesses.

Our Values

We have a common set of values that help us work as a team to provide the best service for our customers.

	Courage | Tū Kaha We provide frank and independent advice that is delivered without hesitation, even when it may conflict with the status quo. We take the calculated risks that are necessary to develop the truly creative outcomes that best support NZDF’s mission.
	Commitment | Tū Tika We understand and emphasise the importance of commitment to our customers, to our stakeholders, and to our people. This commitment is relected in strong teamwork and in our continuing efforts to provide high-quality science-based outcomes to fulfill our mission.
	Comradeship | Tū Tira Our comradeship arises from a culture of friendship, mutual respect, teamwork and working together towards a common cause. We recognise that it is our combined efforts that deliver the greatest value.
	Integrity | Tū Maia Integrity is the basic value underpinning all we do. It is an essential element of our relationships with each other; it is a crucial contributor to our scientific rigour and our personal and professional credibility. Our integrity is what gives our customers and stakeholders confidence in our work.
	Innovation | Tū Auaha Our innovation and creativity are what enables us to provide high quality advice, solutions, and technologies for NZDF. We continually seek new approaches to produce transformative outcomes.