The Inspector-General of Defence
The IGD provides dedicated independent oversight of the New Zealand Defence Force.
Learn more about us Get in touchIn the interests of transparency we publish as much information about our work as possible
Learn more about usThe Inspector-General can investigate matters or disclosures in relation to the activities of the New Zealand Defence Force.
Contact usPurpose of the IGD
The IGD:
- Provides the Minister of Defence with dedicated independent oversight of the Defence Force;
- Assists the Minister of Defence to account accurately to the House of Representatives for the Defence Force’s activities; and
- Assures the public that there is independent scrutiny of Defence Force activities including in relation to New Zealand’s obligations under international law.
Functions of the IGD
Section 8 of the Inspector-General of Defence Act 2023 sets out the functions of the IGD:
- Investigate incidents that have occurred in the course of activities of the Defence Force; and any subsequent acts or omissions of the Defence Force in relation to those incidents.
- Assess, and identify potential improvements or additions to, Defence Force policies and procedures governing activities of the Defence Force.
- Any other function conferred on the Inspector-General by this Act or any other legislation or rule of law.
The IGD can look into any Defence Force matter either on the Inspector-General’s own initiative (including information obtained under section 10 or Part 4 of the IGD Act or disclosed under the Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act 2022, or at the request of the Minister of Defence, the Secretary of Defence, or the Chief of Defence Force.
