Our government partners

The Ministry of Business,
Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) provides legislation, advice and guidance on employment law, enabling the DESC Secretariat to deliver HR policy advice and information to employers . MBIE also administers the Volunteer Employment Protection Act (VEPA), 1973.

The New Zealand Defence Force facilitates the Defence Employer Support Council (DESC) Secretariat. The Secretariat consists of a small, dedicated team focusing on design and communications, policy advice, and administration. The team works hard to support and offer advice to the DESC.

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) works alongside the NZDF to deliver Youth Programmes. MSD identifies and supports youth who need help finding a productive pathway for their future. 

The Ministry of Education contracts the New Zealand Defence Force to provide courses for Services Academy students. Services Academies are military-focused programmes delivered within secondary schools.

The purpose of a services academy is to encourage students to stay engaged in learning by providing a motivating and disciplined programme. Service Academies also elp students to gain improved qualifications and help them prepare to move successfully into the workforce or further education and training.

Our Australian counterparts work in similar ways to us, and we exchange guidance and advice on how to best support Defence People.

Our British counterparts work in similar ways to us, and we exchange guidance and advice on how to best support Defence People.