Auditor-General finds Defence Force culture-change programme has stalled, repeating 2022 findings

The Auditor-General's third audit of Operation Respect — set up a decade ago to address sexual assault and harmful behaviour in the NZ Defence Force — finds momentum has stalled. Under-reporting and distrust of complaints processes remain near-identical to 2022 findings. The audit surveyed 5,000 personnel in 2025, with 17 percent reporting harmful behaviour. NZDF is establishing a new complaints unit and removing the obligation to report sexual harm to commanding officers.