Why are there calls to stop NZDF training with the US?

Peace Action Wellington argues that ongoing NZDF training with US forces risks complicity in an alleged illegal war and undermines New Zealand’s commitment to international law.

What is Project Convergence?

Project Convergence is a large-scale US-led military exercise involving thousands of troops from multiple allied countries, designed to improve battlefield coordination and interoperability.

What does interoperability mean for the NZDF?

Interoperability refers to the ability of NZDF forces to operate seamlessly with US and allied military forces, including in joint operations and potential combat scenarios.

Calls to halt NZDF US training over illegal war

ByThe Daily Blog 20 April 202620 April 2026

Calls to halt NZDF US training are escalating as Aotearoa’s military ties collide with growing accusations of an illegal US-Israeli war. Peace Action Wellington says continuing joint exercises risks entangling New Zealand in breaches of international law.

Peace Action Wellington is calling for an immediate end to NZDF training with US forces amid the illegal US-Israeli war against Iran. The Defence Force plans to send 50 personnel to a large aerial and ground drone exercise in the United States alongside US forces.

How deep NZDF training with the US really goes

The US Project Convergence training exercise includes 6,000+ troops from the US, Australia, UK, France, Japan and Canada. This training follows on a three-month NZDF deployment of 34 infantry troops to Korea to train alongside Korean and US forces that started in March, and the participation of the NZDF in Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) competition hosted by the US Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton in California.

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“The NZDF is deeply embedded with the US military now and regularly conducts training to ensure the ‘interoperability’ of NZ troops into US combat operations. This is despite the US and Israel waging an aggressive war against Iran and bombing countries without provocation,” said Valerie Morse.

The legal argument: complicity in an illegal war

Aggressive war is often referred to as the “supreme international crime” because it encompasses the planning, initiation, and waging of war in violation of international law. This concept was notably established during the Nuremberg Trials, where leaders were held accountable for such actions.

“The US is deeply complicit in war crimes and crimes against humanity for the funding of the genocide in Gaza over the past 2+ years. Furthermore, the current commander in chief has threatened to commit war crimes in Iran by ‘bombing it back to the stone age’.”

“New Zealand should have nothing to do with war criminals and those who actively destroy international law. The NZDF should operate with countries that uphold international law and do not wage aggressive wars.”

Peace Action Wellington has today launched a petition aimed at ending troop training with the US military.