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Unclassified: NZ Defence Force

New Zealand Defence Force

14 episodes · Explicit

Every day, members of the New Zealand Defence Force achieve extraordinary things.

More about the show

The Unclassified podcast brings to light memorable first-hand tales of courage and commitment, service and sacrifice.

Season one looks at the NZDF’s significant contribution over more than 20 years to regional security in Afghanistan, and includes previously unheard stories about the heat of battle, the role of the SAS, keeping the faith in times of tragedy, and the lasting impacts of this deployment on those who served and their loved ones at home.

Season two includes experiences of life on the front-line at home and overseas, such as daring rescues at sea and on the ice, the chaos of evacuating New Zealanders from Kabul as Afghanistan fell to the Taliban, the aftermath of the White Island eruption, and the reality of coming under a barrage of rocket attacks in Iraq.

Episodes

  1. S2 E7 | Outgoing Chief of Defence Force – Air Marshal Kevin Short

    · 47 min · S2 E7 · Bonus · Explicit

    In this special episode of Unclassified, we talk to the outgoing Chief of Defence Force, Air Marshal Kevin Short, about his almost 50 years in service with the Royal New Zealand Air Force. He reflects on how a…

  2. S2 E6 | Responding to the deadly Whakaari / White Island eruption - CDR Tim Hall

    · 19 min · S2 E6 · Explicit

    In this episode we talk to Royal New Zealand Navy Commander Tim Hall about his involvement in the response to the deadly volcanic eruption of Whakaari / White Island in 2019. This series deals with themes of loss of…

  3. S2 E5 | Antarctica to the Middle East and responses at home – F/S Dave Cresswell

    · 27 min · S2 E5 · Explicit

    In this episode we talk to Flight Sergeant Dave Cresswell from the Royal New Zealand Air Force about deployments around the world, from Antarctica to the Middle East, and emergency responses following the Pike River…

  4. S2 E4 | Cyclone Gabrielle NH90 helicopter rescues - FLTLT Nicole Brooke

    · 23 min · S2 E4 · Explicit

    In this episode we talk to Flight Lieutenant Nicole Brooke about her experience of navigating precarious search and rescue operations from the cockpit of a Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopter, including in the…

  5. S2 E3 | Taji Rocket Attack - LTCOL Iain Hill

    · 36 min · S2 E3 · Explicit

    In this episode we talk to Lieutenant Colonel Iain Hill, from the New Zealand Army, about what it’s like to be at a military base in the Middle East as it comes under a rocket attack, the role leadership plays in…

  6. S2 E2 | Rescue at sea during Cyclone Gabrielle - CPO Leon Reilly

    · 21 min · S2 E2 · Explicit

    In this episode we talk to Chief Petty Officer Leon Reilly, from the Royal New Zealand Navy, about his experience of leading a crew through a hair-raising rescue at sea in the midst of a tropical cyclone. This series…

  7. S2 E1 | Kabul evacuation - NZ Special Forces’ - Female Engagement Team member

    · 17 min · S2 E1 · Explicit

    In this episode we talk to a member of the Female Engagement Team, an element of New Zealand’s Special Forces, about what it was like to be in the thick of the August 2021 evacuations from Kabul Airport, in…

  8. Unclassified Season Two

    · 2:05 · Trailer

    Every day, members of the New Zealand Defence Force achieve extraordinary things. In this season of Unclassified, we’re bringing you unforgettable first-hand tales of courage and commitment from members of the Royal…

  9. S1 E6 | Staff Sergeant Tina Grant

    · 34 min · S1 E6 · Explicit

    In this episode we talk to Staff Sergeant Tina Grant about losing a loved one on the frontline, the impact of that loss on whānau back home, and her efforts to ensure greater support is available to families of the…

  10. S1 E5 | Major David Foote

    · 33 min · S1 E5 · Explicit

    In this episode we talk to Major David Foote about his experience as a nurse in a war zone, trying to tend to the wounded in the heat of battle, and the role Combat Lifesaver training played in assisting wounded…

  11. S1 E4 | Colonel Sean Bolton

    · 24 min · S1 E4 · Explicit

    In this episode we talk to Colonel Sean Bolton about the role of New Zealand’s Special Forces in Afghanistan, critical decision making and what it takes to be a member of the SAS. This series deals with themes of…

  12. S1 E3 | Chaplain Class 2 James Molony

    · 31 min · S1 E3 · Explicit

    In this episode we talk to Chaplain Class Two James Molony about the ongoing effects he’s seen over the last decade amongst those who deployed to Afghanistan, how a person’s faith is tested in a war zone, and the role…

  13. S1 E2 | Major Caleb Berry

    · 28 min · S1 E2 · Explicit

    In this episode we talk to Major Caleb Berry about his experience as a junior commander forced to step up in New Zealand’s deadliest infantry battle since Vietnam, and how that has shaped his life ever since. This…

  14. S1 E1 | Major General John Boswell

    · 28 min · S1 E1 · Explicit

    In this episode we talk to Chief of Army, Major General John Boswell, about the overall contribution of the New Zealand Army to Afghanistan, the impact of losing a soldier on operations, and leadership in a crisis.…

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