On 25 August 2008, the Directorate of Special Operations was established as an element of the Headquarters New Zealand Defence Force.

The NZDF's website states that the role of the directorate was to "reduce the operational and strategic burden" on the commander of the New Zealand Special Air Service (NZSAS), and that the directorate provided a "strategic-level special operations headquarters".

[1][2][3] This change in designation was accompanied by a significant expansion of the unit's role, with the SOCC becoming equivalent to the NZDF's Maritime, Land and Air Component Commanders.

The 1st New Zealand Special Air Service Regiment also reports directly to the SOCC.

The SOCNZ maintains a Special Operations Liaison Element in Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand, and is responsible for the NZDF's counter-improvised explosive device capabilities.