Community facilitators

Kaikōtui hapori

Change can be challenging, especially when you're new to the NZDF or relocating to a new area. Defence Community Facilitators (DCFs) for Air Force and Army, and the Navy Welfare Liaison Manager (NWLM) and Family Support Officer (FSO) for Navy, are here to help make your transition easier.

What is community support?

As whānau, you may experience a range of challenges while adjusting to military life. These can include postings and relocations, connecting with local services, and building new social networks. At times, these changes can feel isolating, especially if you have left a place where you felt settled and connected.

The DCFs, NWLM, and FSO can provide information and support to help make these transitions easier for you and your whānau. They can also connect you with community events, activities, and opportunities available in your new region.

The NZDF community support team is made up of DCFs, the NWLM, and the FSO. Together, they work to make the challenges of military life a little easier to navigate.

What can we help with?

Some of the services the DCFs, NWLM and FSO provide include:

• information about your new location to help you settle in and access services in your area e.g. some Camps and Bases have relationships with local schools that offer out-of-zone enrolments to the children of those posted to that Camp or Base;
• co-ordination of local community activities and events throughout the year, including whānau events and social activities to help you connect with other NZDF families in your area;
• assisting with whānau or community concerns and referral to local services, outside agencies, or health professionals as required; and
• information about what is happening at your Base/Camp, including events, services and resources.

Additional support and guidance from the NZDF community support team can vary between locations. Be sure to sign up to your local mailing list to receive updates, even if you don’t anticipate that you’ll want to be particularly involved.

For more information on what services each camp/base can help you with, contact your local community support team member using the information below.