Two Waiouru army base leaders have been stood down and others removed from instructional duties following allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
The incidents took place at The Army Depot training centre and are believed to have centred on sexual contact between instructors and recruits, NZME reports.
Military police and command investigations are looking into the conduct of seven personnel from The Army Depot.
The alleged offences include inappropriate conduct, failure to follow standing orders, and failure to follow established procedures.
The two members of the leadership team that were stood down are not facing investigation.
It's understood there is an investigation into senior command at The Army Depot and their knowledge of instructors sexually pursuing recruits, NZME reports.
Questions were raised about how much leaders knew about instructors' sexual contact with recruits, who are usually aged in their early 20s or teens.
The investigation could be a sensitive subject for the Defence Force due to its programme "Operation Respect", which aimed to stamp out sexual harassment and related issues.
"As an Army, we hold ourselves to the highest levels of behaviour - well above those to which we are legally bound," said army Chief General Peter Kelly.
"Where we see performance and behaviours that do not match our expectations, we will act. The leadership changes we have made were put in place to move The Army Depot forward in a positive way."
Formal disciplinary proceedings are expected to begin in soon. The Defence Force says no further detail will be released at this stage.
A spokesperson for Defence Minister Ron Mark had told NZME the minister had been made aware of the issue on Wednesday morning and has requested a meeting with senior leaders over the issue.
Newshub.
