Kiwi Steel: Modern Rifles of the New Zealand Defence Force

Abstract

This article presents a chronological narrative of the standard-issue service rifles used by the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) following the Vietnam War, with a particular focus on the Steyr AUG and its successor, the Lewis Machine & Tool MARS-L. By drawing, in part, upon primary source documents obtained through Official Information Act requests and research in Archives New Zealand, the authors provide a nuanced account of the selection criteria and service history of these rifles, as well as the challenges they faced on introduction. The article explores the historical rifles used by the NZDF, from colonial times to the Vietnam War, before discussing the adoption of the Steyr AUG and its long service life (including limited upgrades). Finally, it discusses the introduction of the MARS-L as a replacement for the AUG, considering the decision-making and post-introduction issues. In addition to presenting a detailed and chronological narrative in its own right, this article is intended to serve as a valuable resource for future research through the authors’ efforts to ensure key source materials are now readily available.