Hundreds of New Zealand soldiers are participating in Exercise Crete, the largest military training operation so far this year, at the Waiouru Military Training Area. The two-week exercise aims to prepare troops ahead of upcoming international engagements, including the biennial Exercise Talisman Saber scheduled for next winter.
Spanning a vast 63,000-hectare training zone known for its challenging weather, the operation involves about 500 personnel in total, with roughly 300 soldiers deployed in the field at any one time. The exercise focuses on a combat team-level mission to capture an enemy-held target, requiring troops to navigate and overcome various obstacles and simulated battlefield conditions.
Lieutenant Colonel Caleb Berry, commanding officer of First Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, described the exercise as a critical test of decision-making and the coordination between infantry, armoured units, artillery, and engineers. Training scenarios have included assaults on a mock desert airfield, countering enemy anti-armour positions with sniper and artillery support, all while adapting to last-minute tactical changes.
“We’re putting troops through realistic conditions that demand quick thinking,” Berry explained. For instance, during one scenario, a commander was informed of a new minefield that blocked his original approach, necessitating a rapid shift from a right-flank to a left-flank assault with only minutes’ notice. Observer trainers embedded throughout the exercise evaluate each unit’s performance and provide feedback to enhance operational effectiveness.
The training also addresses logistical and environmental challenges inherent to the Waiouru area, including operating vehicles in muddy terrain, conducting night maneuvers, and enduring notoriously cold and wet weather conditions. Berry noted that while these factors test soldiers’ resilience, robust medical support is available to manage any health concerns.
Exercise Crete ties into a broader initiative following the New Zealand Government’s recent boost in Defence Force funding. The 2026 Budget outlined a $1.58 billion increase aimed at reversing long-standing underinvestment, enhancing fleet capabilities, accommodating rising operational costs, and improving remuneration for Defence personnel. Defence Minister Chris Penk emphasized the government’s commitment to increasing defence expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product within the next eight years.
As New Zealand’s military prepares for more complex and integrated operations offshore, exercises like Crete play a vital role in ensuring its forces remain capable, adaptable, and ready to meet evolving security challenges.