Second Canterbury, Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast Battalion Group.

Third Auckland (Countess of Ranfurly's Own) and Northland Battalion Group.

Fourth Otago and Southland Battalion Group.

Fifth Wellington, West Coast and Taranaki Battalion Group.

Seventh Wellington (City of Wellington's Own) and Hawke's Bay Battalion Group.

When deployed on overseas operations, the Army Reserves are far more than just soldiers; they are symbols of New Zealand's generous spirit and commitment to global peace in uncertain times.

Join NZ Army Reserve

Employer Support

The Army Reserve recognises the value that effective employer support has upon the success of an employees career in the Army Reserve. As a result, there are a number of systems in place to support Army Reserve members in their relationship with their civilian employer.

Unit Employer Support Officers

Once you become a member of the Army Reserve and join your local unit, you will be made aware of your Unit Employer Support Officer (UESO) who is there to assist and advise you on any and all matters relating to your civilian employment and the Army Reserve. Your UESO will be fully up to date with employment legislation and be able to assist you with any issues that you may have. If necessary, your UESO can contact your employer on your behalf and discuss possible solutions to issues that you or your employer may have around your commitment to the Army Reserve.

Approaching your Employer

If you are thinking about joining the Army Reserve and feel it is in your best interests to approach your employer first, you should arm yourself with as much information as possible about a career in the Army Reserve before discussing it with them. Below are some suggestions of positive benefits you could highlight to your employer to gain their support.

Most training takes place on weekends, so if you work a normal week you won't have to take much time off work.
Army Reserve training is paid, so your employer doesn't have to give you paid leave.
Army Reserve training provides you with significant team building, leadership and management training which will have positive benefits for your civilian employment, at no cost to your employer.
As a member of the Army Reserve you can gain civilian recognised skills and qualifications such as first aid, heavy vehicle driving licences, and NZQA accredited leadership, management and teaching certificates.
Having an employee who is a member of the Army Reserve, and thus serving New Zealand, will give your employer the opportunity to show that their business is contributing to the community.

This page was last reviewed on 23 June 2009, and is current.