The Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment, is the New Zealand Army's main military Logistics and combat service support (CSS) element. It is the largest regiment in the NZ Army.
History
Prior to 1996, the logistic support to the New Zealand Army was provided by three separate and distinct Corps: The Royal New Zealand Corps of Transport (RNZCT), The Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (RNZAOC) The Royal New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RNZEME).
On 4 April 1996 the New Zealand Army Chief of the General Staff Major General Piers Reid signed a directive to initiate the establishment of a fully integrated logistic function in the New Zealand Army, with the intention of improving logistic support in both operational and non-operational environments. The integrated logistic organisation would combine the three separate Corps into a single Regiment. The new regiment, known as the Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment (RNZALR), was formed on 9 December 1996.
On 9 December 1996, members of the RNZCT, RNZAOC and RNZEME marched onto parade grounds on each camp and base, the Flags of the individual Corps were lowered, headdress was replaced with and members of the RNZALR marched off.
Structure
Currently the Regiment includes: 2 Combat Service Support Battalion (Linton Military Camp) 10 Transport Company 21 Supply Company 2 Workshop Company 5 Movements Company 38 Combat Service Support Company (NZ Army Reserve) Combat Service Support Company (North) (Papakura Military Camp) 3 Combat Service Support Battalion (Burnham Military Camp) 3 Transport Company 3 Catering & Supply Company 3 Workshop Company 3 Reserve Company (NZ Army Reserve)
Both battalions are part of the New Zealand 1st Brigade.
Given the nature of NZ Army Units, RNZALR personnel are also embedded in most other units of the NZ Army providing 1st line logistic support to those units.
Trades
The RNZALR includes eleven trades providing various support functions within the NZ Army and across the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).
Ammunition Technicians
Ammunition Technicians provide support for the inspection, maintenance and disposal of all ammunition and explosives used by the New Zealand Army. This also includes civil NZ's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) capability.
Combat Drivers
Combat Driver operate transport from light to heavy vehicles carrying stores or troops.
Hospitality
The hospitality trades ensure that the forces are sustained with a balanced diet in garrison and field environments. the Hospitality trade consists of two trades;.
Chef
Steward
Maintenance Support Trades
There are five Maintenance support trades;
Armourer
Automotive Technician
Electrical Fitter
Electronics Technician
Maintenance Fitter
These trades are responsible for the repair and general maintenance of all the Army's equipment. This includes vehicles, radios, night vision devices, general engineering, electrical components and weapons.
Movement Operators
Movement Operators work across all the three services facilitating the movement and support of troops and equipment. The Movement Operator trade consists of three specialties:
Movement control - the planning and executing of the movement of personnel, vehicles and equipment by road, sea or air. Terminal Operations - the management of the loading, unloading and transit of forces by road, sea and air. Terminal Operations include stevedoring and port operations. Aerial Delivery - the Air Dispatch and Movement control of troops and equipment by aircraft including the rigging of stores for delivery by parachute or as under slung loads underneath helicopters.
Logistic Specialists
The senior trade within the RNZALR, Logistic Specialists, are responsible for delivering Supply & Quartermaster support. This support encompasses the provision, accounting, and management of ammunition, fuel, rations, weapons, general stores, spare parts, vehicles, and any other mission-critical equipment needed by the NZDF, whether in New Zealand or overseas.
Traditions
The Duke of York's Own
On 22 June 1999, the Regimental Colonel of the RNZALR, Lt Col D.H Watmuff received notification that the Queen had approved the appellation "The Duke of York's Own" to the RNZALR. The title reflected the role of Prince Andrew, Duke of York, who served as the Colonel-in-Chief from 1996 until January 2022. With Prince Andrew's military affiliations removed by the Queen in January 2022, the use of the appellation "The Duke of York's Own" was ceased by the RNZALR.