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Defence Employer Support Council

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Defence Employer Support Council

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We are an independent statutory body that supports organisations who employ NZDF and NZCF personnel.

The Defence Employer Support Council (DESC) aims to support part-time NZDF and NZCF personnel with balancing their civilian and military commitments. We provide services to NZDF and NZCF personnel to assist with employment matters and a number of outreach initatives that engage with employers and bring them closer to the action of NZDF and NZCF. Check out our website for more information on the exciting opportunities that DESC can offer!

07/09/2026

We're excited to share that the next LSV Patrons’ Bulletin is on its way!

This bulletin keeps our community connected to the Limited Service Volunteer Programme — a free six week training course for 18 to 24 year olds — that continues to make a real difference through building discipline, teamwork, personal growth and new pathways to employment and study for young people.

DESC members are honoured to serve as Patrons for LSV. As role models and advocates, we stand alongside the programme, supporting participants and championing the positive impact it has on young New Zealanders.

Keep an eye out for the upcoming release — it’s full of insights, updates, good news stories and some events to get involved with!

Get yours delivered straight to your inbox by emailing [email protected]

27/07/2026

Warmly welcoming our new Chair, Warner Cowin! 🤝

Warner (centre) has been a valuable member of the Defence Employer Support Council since 2021. At our second quarterly meeting of 2026, the DESC Council had the opportunity to welcome him into his new role as Chair of the Board.

New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) Veteran and Chartered Professional Engineer of Ngāti Porou and Pākehā descent, Warner is the founder and CEO of Height - an Australasian procurement and business consultancy which has been operating within the engineering and infrastructure space since 2013. Based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Warner is invested in growing capability within the construction sector and has a passion for mentoring military veterans and Māori and Pasifika Businesses.

As a Royal New Zealand Air Force Officer and UN Peace Keeper, Warner has a strong base of personal and professional connections to those who have served. He is passionate about the NZDF’s role and a huge advocate for supporting veterans and Limited Service Volunteers’ transition into the workforce.

Please do join us in welcoming Warner into his new role!🤝

📸 Shiloh Dobie

Depicted at the Youth Development Unit at Whenuapai Air Base, in front of Bios of LSV Patrons' and the Unit's Patron Library is (from left to right), Colonel Nathan Baker (Assistant Chief Defence Reserve Youth & Sport), Corina Bruce (Deputy Chair), Warner Cowin (Chair), Chief of Army Major General Rose King, and Richard Waggott (DESC Member).

07/07/2026

Nominations for Reservist Employer of the Year Award have been EXTENDED until 20 June 2026 🏆

By request, we've extended the deadline for Reservist Employer of the Year (Small and Large Employer Categories) Nominations for another two weeks only 🕑

Thank you to all members of our community who have submitted a nomination so far!

Visit the Helpful Resources Section of our Website for Nomination Forms: https://www.desc.govt.nz/home/defence-people/reservists/

Alternatively, contact [email protected] to request a nomination form directly.

Nominations for all other awards categories are now closed, excluding Reservist of the Year which closes 17 August 2026

27/05/2026

Jackson is just one of the people that the Limited Service Volunteer course has changed the life of. This is some of our best work.

18/05/2026

Our Chair, Bevan Killick had a fine opportunity to formally acknowledge Reserve Force Employer, Air New Zealand for their support of Reservist, 2LT Rhys Dillon in Burnham this week.

2LT Dillon arranged a presentation and morning tea to formally acknowledge and thank his manager, Captain Lance Emanuel, with CO 3CSSB presenting Captain Emanuel with a 3CSSB Coin, a DESC Coin and a Certificate of Appreciation.

Manager, Captain Lance Emanuel has been applauded by Dillon as "exceptionally accommodating over the years whenever Reserve commitments arise. The nature of Reserve service often means short-notice taskings, courses, and activities, all of which directly affect the Reserve Force’s ability to meet its obligations."

"Despite obstacles, Lance has consistently approved my leave without difficulty or unnecessary formality, and has been very supportive in allowing me to use annual leave where required to help offset the difference in pay".

Ka pai and thank you Air New Zealand for your support for New Zealand society, NZDF and Reserve Force Service!

31/03/2026

2026 Tohu Awards Nominations are OPEN NOW! 🏆

The Tohu Awards is one of the ways we thank our extended Defence whānau on behalf of the New Zealand Defence Force.

Hosted by the Minister of Defence, the Tohu Awards offer an opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge the crucial role of Reservists, Cadet Force Officers, Youth Graduates and the organisations who support them, with awards selected across the following categories:

🎖 Reservist of the Year
🎖 Reservist Employer of the Year (Small and Large Employer Categories)
🎖 NZ Cadet Force Officer Employer of the Year
🎖 Limited Service Volunteer (LSV) of the Year
🎖 Individual Contribution to the Limited Service Volunteers (LSV)
🎖 Employer Contribution to the Limited Service Volunteers (LSV)

Is there an individual, an employer or an organisation you'd like to nominate?

Visit our DESC Website for Nomination Forms: https://www.desc.govt.nz/

Alternatively, contact [email protected] to request a nomination form directly.

⏱ Nominations close for all awards on 29 June 2026, excluding Reservist of the Year which closes 17 August 2026.

02/03/2026

Supporting shared workforces in New Zealand 🤝

We’re here to enhance the availability of Reservists and Cadet Force Officers in emergency situations, deployments and outputs.

The Tohu Awards is one of the ways we thank our extended Defence whānau on behalf of the New Zealand Defence Force. Employers and individuals willingly release part-time people for training, exercises, deployments and emergencies, and in many cases, welcome and utilise transferrable skills back into their workplaces.

Is there an individual, an employer or an organisation you'd like to nominate?

Take a look through our past ceremonies and check out our Nomination Forms in advance at www.desc.govt.nz

Nominations open on 01 April for the 2026 Tohu Awards.

19/11/2025

Tohu Awards 2025 🏆

Minister of Defence, Hon Judith Collins KC MP and Associate Minister of Defence, Hon Chris Penk MP joined with Senior NZDF Leadership in Wellington last week to recognise and celebrate Reservists, Cadet Force Officers (CFOs), Limited Service Volunteers (LSV) and the organisations who support them.

The Tohu Awards honour those who have gone above and beyond in their service and those that make that service possible – employers, mentors and supporters.

In her comments, Hon Judith Collins thanked the awards nominees, employers and supporters in attendance, reminding us that our Defence Force is not built by uniform alone – it is built by a network of people, families and employers united by service, integrity and community.

Congratulations to our 2025 award finalists and winners and thank you for the role you play for the New Zealand Defence Force and New Zealand’s Youth.

🎖 Reservist of the Year: Lance Corporal Sophie Toohey
🎖 Reservist Employer of the Year (Small Employer Category): Apollo Project Ltd
🎖 Reservist Employer of the Year (Large Employer Category): Mayne Wetherell
🎖 NZ Cadet Force Officer Employer of the Year: Giltrap Group
🎖 Limited Service Volunteer (LSV) of the Year: Michael Reynolds
🎖 Individual Contribution to the Limited Service Volunteers (LSV): Miru McLean
🎖 Employer Contribution to the Limited Service Volunteers (LSV): Citycare

Read more about our winners here:
https://lnkd.in/gDeCAdDA

New Zealand Cadet Forces LSV - Limited Service Volunteer - Auckland LSV - Limited Service Volunteer - Canterbury LSV- Limited Service Volunteer, Trentham, Wellington

Address

Wellington

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	7:30am - 5pm
Thursday	7:30am - 5pm
Friday	7:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+6444986549

Website

http://www.desc.govt.nz/

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