NZ Army creates new motorised infantry battalion

A newly-formed unit of the New Zealand Army, Ngāti Tūmatauenga, was formally called to attention this week.

CAPTION: Ngāti Tūmatauenga, the New Zealand Army formally stands up its newly-formed Motorised Infantry Battalion at Linton Military Camp on Friday 5 December, 2025. RNZDF photo.

At a parade and ceremony held at Linton Military Camp, the official amalgamation of 1^st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (RNZIR) and Queen Alexandra’s Mounted Rifles (QAMR) took place with Chief of Army Major General Rose King in attendance.

“This marks an exciting new chapter for Ngāti Tūmatauenga,” Major General King said.

“The amalgamation of the two units was a deliberate decision made to enhance and better enable the combat readiness of one of our key military outputs – that of a Motorised Infantry Battle Group.

“In today’s uncertain strategic environment we need to be ready to fight tonight, and today marks the next step in our journey to become a more agile, adaptable and lethal combat force.”

The new unit will retain the name 1 RNZIR and will be organised as a Motorised Infantry Battalion, with one of its sub-units retaining the QAMR name. 

Major General King said the resulting concentration of expertise in 1 RNZIR would enable the unit to deliver more consistent, higher quality collective training, in a safer manner, which would ultimately ensure soldiers were more prepared to respond to the increasing challenges in our region.

“What this new unit will show is that our adaptability, and readiness to evolve to the current state of warfare and the future fight, is a fundamental strength,” Major General King said.  

The Chief of Army also acknowledged the significant and rich history of both units, which would never be forgotten.

“Today is not about losing our identity, nor are we turning our backs on our heritage and traditions, but rather it is the forging of a new strength in our Army.

“The legacies of both infantry and armour are not in competition, but rather they are complementary to each other.”

Lieutenant Colonel Caleb Berry, formerly Commanding Officer of QAMR, has been given command of the new Linton-based unit.

“I am incredibly proud to be leading this new battalion, and my intent coming into the role is clear: everything we do will enhance our lethality, survivability and cohesion,” he said.

“We will train hard, integrate our mounted and dismounted expertise, and master the fundamentals.

“When New Zealand calls, we must be ready to fight and win—anywhere, anytime.”

Lieutenant Colonel Berry also praised the outgoing Commanding Officer of 1RNZIR, Lieutenant Colonel Jason Tinsley, for leading the battalion through a significant transition period. 

“Our infantry are a fundamental tenet of our Army, and Lieutenant Colonel Tinsley has maintained incredibly high standards within the unit, which puts us in a great place to capitalise on this opportunity to forge two of our most storied units together for the betterment of our Army, our capabilities and ultimately our people.”

Editorial note from RNZDF:

A Motorised Infantry Battalion consists of infantry, armoured personnel and specific military support trades. A Motorised Infantry Battle Group includes additional support elements and units such as artillery, joint fires, engineers, logistics and more. The Motorised Infantry Battle Group is a New Zealand Army military output. The two terms are not interchangeable.

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