https://fyi.org.nz/request/33328-framing-of-traditional-christians-as-enemy-in-nz-army-training?unfold=1

Framing Traditional Christians as enemy in NZ Army training

S.E. Shaw made this Official Information request to New Zealand Defence Force

Currently waiting for a response from New Zealand Defence Force, they must respond promptly and normally no later than February 10, 2026 (details and exceptions).

From: S.E. Shaw

December 19, 2025

Dear New Zealand Defence Force,

We refer to the internal training documents that were used by 3RCW in Burnham Military Camp for JNCO Courses in 2025. Specifically we refer to the General Idea, Company OPORD and other specific OPORDs. We note the framing of the enemy for the exercises as “Christians extremists” and their intent to defend “traditional values”. Our questions relate to this and are as follows:

1. How widely is this General Idea with this enemy scenario used? i.e. what units and courses use it?
   2. When and by whom was this enemy scenario developed?
   3. When and by whom was this enemy scenario approved?
   4. Why does this enemy scenario differ from the DATE-P scenarios generally used by NZ Army?
   4. What other current training documents within the NZDF use an enemy based on Christians or people with traditional values?
   6. Given that fictional enemy scenarios are typically built upon actual or likely adversaries does the NZDF assess Christians or people with traditional values as a likely adversary?
   7. What, if any, communication has occurred from senior leadership directing alignment to Christians or people with traditional values as a threat group?
   8. What, if any, communication has been provided from government or other government agencies on Christians or people with traditional values as a threat group?

We acknowledge the effort required in getting answers to these questions and appreciate your efforts in putting together a response.

Yours faithfully,

S.E. Shaw