The New Zealand Defence Force has been rated the best in the world for integrating lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members.
The chief of the Defence Force Lieutenant General Tim Keating says that the rating from an international study of diversity in the armed forces, is something to be proud of.
He says the force has always valued diversity, but the number one rating is a pleasant suprise.
General Keating says a diverse workplace promotes equality and lifts productivity.
Last year twenty-five members of the Defence Force marched in the Auckland LGBT pride festival, with the support of the previous head of the military, Lieutenant General Richard Rhys Jones.