Support for
Employers of Reservists
Reservists are part-time members of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) who balance employment or study commitments in their life outside of the military.
Reservists can be a member of the Navy, Army or Air Force.
Trained to step up
Reservists assist across many areas of the NZDF, receive training and may bring their own unique civilian skills to the role. They are a valuable supplement to the regular force (full time personnel) and could be involved in community projects, disaster management or military deployments, including United Nations peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.
Reservists are trained in:
- Specialist courses such as driving, first aid and hazardous goods.
- World-class leadership training
- Risk management
- Ceremonial events
- Developing physical and mental resilience
- Firearms training
- Annual military exercises
- Sporting events
Your business can benefit directly from a range of transferable skills
Trained for life
Reservists gain valuable skills from their military training, including:
- Leadership skills and training
- Communication skills
- Effective time and resource management
- Problem-solving under pressure
- Working effectively in a team
- Working with positivity and resilience
- Self discipline
- Confidence
- Fitness and wellbeing
- An expanded professional network
Reservists bring specialist skills
Reservists can bring key skills from their civilian employment that are invaluable to the NZDF. Using specialist skills and developing them in a new environment can benefit the reservist, the NZDF, employers and the wider community.
By supporting Reservists in your workforce, you'll be giving back to New Zealand communities
Military leave requirements
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Reservists attend training for a minimum of 20 days per year.
Reserve Forces are expected to commit to 20 days a year. This service is conducted mainly on weekends (Friday evening to Sunday evening) but sometimes progression courses are held during the week. These courses will often benefit you, the employer, as training courses develop new skills and sharpen competencies which can transfer directly back into your business.
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Reservists attend annual field exercises and other development courses.
Reservists attend annual field exercises, promotional and training courses that may run through the course of the working week. These exercises often benefit you, their employer, by building transferable skills, offering increased engagement and enthusiasm on return, and a sharpened level of health and fitness.
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Reservists may serve on a deployment.
Deployments can range in length, location and requirements. If a reservist in your employment is looking to deploy either domestically or internationally, their absence may be felt in your workplace. In supporting a reservist through their deployment, you will be directly giving back to New Zealand communities. However, we understand that the commercial environment is tough and we encourage employees to engage in open conversations about what a deployment might mean for you.
Military leave questions
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Do I have to let them go?
Yes. Under the Volunteers Employment Protection Act (VEPA) 1973, you must allow your employee to attend military training for up to three weeks per year as leave without pay. However, reserve force service is conducted mainly on evenings or weekends (Friday evening to Sunday evening) with progression courses and exercises occasionally held during the week. Access the Volunteers Employment Protection Act (VEPA) 1973 here(external link)
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How will I know when they have training?
Reservists are required to give at least 14 days notice when requesting release from Employers. Although, the nature of the Defence Force is that things can change so a little flexibility can go a long way. We understand that the commercial environment is tough, and that different situations need different solutions. That’s why we encourage employees to negotiate an acceptable solution with you, their Employer.
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Will it cost me?
No. Employers are however encouraged to top-up pay where the Reservist’s military pay is less than the normal civilian pay.
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Can I terminate their employment?
No. The civil employment of volunteers training with the NZDF is protected by the Volunteers Employment Protection Act (VEPA) 1973.