WELLINGTON - The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) took delivery of its eighth and final NH90 advanced medium utility helicopter at Base Ohakea on October 31. New Zealand ordered eight NH90s in the TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) variant for use in military and civil operations in July 2006.
The RNZAF selected Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 turboshafts to power their new NH90s.
In April 2005, the NH90 was selected to replace the RNZAF's aging fleet of UH-1 Iroquois helicopters. The first NH90 arrived in New Zealand in December 2011. The first new units were delivered to the RNZAF on March 9, 2012, shortly after which they were put through a test and transition program at Ohakea. Initial operational testing and evaluation of the new NH90s was completed in February 2013. Approval of the NH90's performance during this stage allows for the RNZAF to begin conducting select operations, including passenger and cargo lift within the country.