In the sweeping valleys of Waiouru, New Zealand, the echoes of artillery fire filled the air as Kiwi soldiers maneuvered their NZLAV 8×8 armored vehicles across a simulated battlefield. This vibrant display of military prowess, observed on August 27, was a highlight of the New Zealand Army’s largest exercise in 2026, dubbed “Hill 60.” The event, named after a pivotal World War I battle, is a critical part of the army’s preparation for the upcoming multilateral Exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia.
Aligning more closely with the Australian military is a central goal for the New Zealand Army, as demonstrated by the ongoing Hill 60 exercise. This initiative is part of a broader campaign to synchronize with Australia’s defense strategies, as detailed in a recent report on Australia’s defense strategy.
Plan ANZAC
Plan ANZAC signifies the shared ambition of New Zealand and Australia to enhance bilateral military cooperation. This agreement, renewed in July, was highlighted by Maj. Gen. Rose King, New Zealand’s Chief of Army, who emphasized the importance of the partnership: “In every iteration with Plan ANZAC, we’re getting stronger and more aligned.” The plan aims to bolster the two nations’ ability to train, deploy, and operate seamlessly together.
Forging a Battle Group
Central to Exercise Hill 60 was the rigorous testing of a Motorised Infantry Battle Group (MIBG). Consisting of around 1,000 soldiers, this group represents a significant portion of New Zealand’s active-duty forces. Lt. Col. Caleb Berry, commanding officer of the 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, noted, “The army’s land combat output is the Motorised Infantry Battle Group. That’s our contribution to a coalition, or our ability to operate by ourselves in the region.”
This exercise was pivotal in evaluating the MIBG’s effectiveness under simulated combat conditions, with Brig. Jason Dyhrberg stressing the importance of refining the group’s formation before its first overseas deployment to Australia. “For us, that’s an incredible contribution within a large-scale divisional construct,” he remarked, highlighting the value this brings to their Australian allies.
Lt. Col. Berry also noted the MIBG’s connection with Australia’s Brisbane-based 7th Brigade, a relationship that has strengthened through shared focus on Pacific regional interests.
Common Equipment, Quality Training
Throughout the Hill 60 exercise, the use of NZLAV and Bushmaster vehicles underscored the New Zealand Defence Force’s efforts to align with Australia’s equipment choices, as noted in the 2025 Defence Capability Plan. This plan advocates for shared procurement to enhance interoperability between the two forces.
New Zealand has adopted several Australian training methods, further cementing this trans-Tasman military collaboration. Notably, Kiwi troops have participated in mortar courses in Australia, and Australian instructors have assisted with drone training courses in New Zealand.
Maj. Gen. King praised the caliber of New Zealand soldiers, pointing out their ability to adapt and excel despite having fewer resources compared to their Australian and American counterparts. Dyhrberg added that while New Zealand cannot replicate larger formations, it does produce highly trained officers who integrate effectively into larger allied structures.
