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Defence Minister Judith Collins today announced Commodore Garin Golding, Brigadier Rose King and Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb as the chiefs of the Navy, Army and Air Force respectively.

28 August, 2024

“These accomplished leaders are the New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) most senior officers in their service, bringing a wealth of experience and strategic insight and being dedicated to serving our country,” Ms Collins says.

“The Government is committed to ensuring the NZDF is well-led and well-prepared to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex global security environment. 

“I look forward to working closely with them and advancing the Government’s commitment to strengthening New Zealand’s security and contributing to global peace and stability.”

The service chiefs will command their service while reporting to the Chief of Defence Force and advising the Minister of Defence. They are appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Minister of Defence.

All three have been appointed for three years from 27 August. Commodore Golding will be promoted to Rear Admiral and Brigadier King to Major General. Air Vice-Marshal Webb, who has been Chief of Air Force since last year, will retain his current rank.

The NZDF leadership change is completed by Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Tony Davies’ appointments of Commodore Mathew Williams as Vice Chief of Defence Force and Brigadier Robert Krushka as Commander Joint Forces New Zealand.

“I welcome these appointments and look forward to working with my senior leadership team over the next three years,” Air Marshal Davies says.

Commodore Williams takes up his new role on 27 August and Brigadier Krushka on 30 August. Their ranks will change to Rear Admiral and Major General respectively with their promotions.

Biographies

Chief of Navy Commodore Garin Golding

Commodore Golding is currently the New Zealand Defence Force’s Maritime Component Commander, a role he has held since 2021. 

He was Director Maritime Domain from 2020-2021 and Deputy Chief of Navy (Strategy and Engagement) in 2019. Commodore Golding was the Commander, Deployable Joint Inter-Agency Task Force, from 2016-2019.

Between 2013 and 2016 he was the Project Manager, Littoral Operations Capability (ship replacement project) and from 2012-2013 he was Inspector General (Maritime). From 2009 to 2012 Commodore Golding was Department Head, Joint Training Coordination.

Commodore Golding holds a Master of Arts in International Security and Strategy (Distinction), King’s College London, a Master of Strategic Studies (Victoria University of Wellington) and a Diploma in Applied Business Management (Auckland University of Technology). In 2012 Commodore Golding was awarded the United States Navy and Marine Corps commendation and has received Chief of Navy commendations. 

He joined the Navy in 1988.

Chief of Army Brigadier Rose King

Brigadier King has been Acting Chief of Army since June. From 2022 to 2024 she was the Deputy Chief of Army.

Between 2019 and 2021 Brigadier King was Director, Strategic Commitments and in 2021 she was seconded to Head of Operations, Managed Isolation and Quarantine, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

From 2018-2019 Brigadier King was Chief of Staff, Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand, and in 2018 she was the Chief Operational Planner – Resolute Support Headquarters, Afghanistan.

Brigadier King holds a Bachelor of Defence Studies (Massey University), a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies (Deakin University) and a Master of Management in Defence Studies (University of Canberra). In 2018 she was awarded the NATO Meritorious Service Medal, the US Meritorious Service Medal and the US Army Commendation Medal. 

Brigadier King joined the Army in 1991. She is the first woman to be appointed Chief of Army, and to be made a service chief across New Zealand’s armed forces.

Chief of Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb

Air Vice-Marshal Webb has been Chief of Air Force since 2023. From 2021 to 2023 he was Assistant Chief of Defence – Strategic Commitments and Engagements.

Between 2018 and 2021 Air Vice-Marshal Webb was Assistant Chief of Defence (Capability). He was seconded in 2020-2021 to COVID-19 Operational Lead, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

Air Vice-Marshal Webb was Air Component Commander from 2016 to 2018, and deputy Chief of Air Force from 2016 to 2018. He was Senior Commander, Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Ohakea and Officer Commanding 488 Wing from 2010 to 2014.

Air Vice-Marshal Webb holds a Master of Strategic Studies (Deakin University) and a Post Graduate Diploma in Defence and Security Studies (Massey University). He is a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit and in 2017 attended the Capstone Leadership Course (US Department of Defense).

He joined the Air Force in 1990. 

Vice Chief of the Defence Force Commodore Mathew Williams

Commodore Williams is currently the acting Vice Chief of the Defence Force and before that, he headed up Defence Capability, a role he held since 2021. 

Amongst his other roles, he has been Maritime Component Commander, and Deputy Chief of Navy.

He served most of his formative years at sea, including on exchange in the Royal Australian Navy.

Returning to New Zealand in 2001, Commodore Williams served as the first Maritime Planner at Headquarters, Joint Forces New Zealand, as well as numerous other roles including a three-year command of HMNZS Te Kaha from 2008.

Commodore Williams has been involved in Coalition Maritime Force counter-piracy   operations throughout the Middle East region, and had appointments at Defence Headquarters,  New Zealand Naval Attaché to the United States (NZ Embassy, Washington DC) and Military Secretary to the Minister of Defence.

Commodore Williams holds a Master of International Security and Strategy (King’s College, London); Master of Public Management (Victoria University), Bachelor of Business Studies (Massey University), and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (University of New South Wales).

Commodore Williams was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the  2007 New Year Honours list, and is a Member of the Royal College of Defence Studies, London.

Commodore Williams joined the Navy in 1989 as a seaman officer.

Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Brigadier Robert Krushka

Brigadier Krushka is currently the Chief of Joint Defence Services, a role he has been in since 2019.

Prior to this he held roles in Commander Logistics, Defence Logistics Command, Logistic Commander (Land), and Military Secretary, Army General Staff, Commanding Officer, 2nd Logistics Battalion and then Chief of Staff, 2nd Land Force Group.

Brigadier Krushka has deployed numerous times including to Iraq as a United Nations Military Advisor, Timor-Leste as the Officer Commanding Combat Services Support Company, and Antarctica as a Detachment Commander.

In January 2004 Brigadier Krushka was posted to Headquarters Joint Operations Command, Sydney Australia as the Staff Officer Grade Two Logistics Operations and Plans.  

Brigadier Krushka is a graduate of the New Zealand Defence Force Command and Staff College (Dux) and the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy (Distinguished Graduate). He holds a Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Management, Post Graduate Diploma in Arts (Distinction), Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy (Distinction).

In 2006, Brigadier Krushka was awarded an Australian Defence Force (ADF) Deputy Chief of Joint Operations Commendation for his role in ADF support to the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami and in June 2006 he was appointed as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Brigadier Rob Krushka enlisted into the New Zealand Army in January 1989.

The HMNZS Canterbury is back in Lyttelton. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

The Royal New Zealand Navy vessel, the HMNZS Canterbury, has docked in her home port of Lyttelton for a five-day visit.

The vessel is regularly deployed to the Pacific, but is now on a one-month trip around Aotearoa training junior officers for future operations.

Its primary mission is to deploy personnel, vehicles and cargo, either at ports or using landing craft, helicopter airlifts or boats.

It has its own mini hospital, with two ward-like rooms and the equipment to perform surgery, if necessary.

Cantabrian Ordinary Hydrographic Systems operator Cameron Norton said it was exciting to sail into an area with which he was familiar.

”It was amazing, like being able to be on the foc’s’le as we’re driving into Lyttelton and get to see, see this place again, like on a navy ship. It was pretty cool.” foc’s’le can also be written as ‘forecastle’ – it’s a part of a ship – Anna

Ordinary Hydrographic Systems operator James Marsh agreed.

“Yeah, it was quite exciting just coming down the coast and seeing places that you recognise and stuff like that.”

On board are 154 sailors, as well as 13 current trainees.

Cameron Norton, James Marsh and Renèe Woodward. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Ensign Bravo Watchkeeper under training Renèe Woodward said being on board gave her first-hand experience and training.

She said while the days could be busy, the crew were well looked after and their tummies were kept full.

“We always get Duff, so Duff is dessert, so it will be like biscuits or slice or anything. It’s really good. It’s 10 out 10 … food’s a pretty big morale-booster for the ship’s company, so food is a very integral part of keeping the ship moving and going forward.”

Ship commander Bronwyn Heslop. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Ship commander Bronwyn Heslop said the training carried out during Canterbury’s stint in Aotearoa was important.

“Just to train people to give them experience of how to conduct themselves both at sea and ashore.

“Just trying to bring back some of the training that we’ve missed with attrition and with Covid-19 and an absence of ships readily available at sea.”

Commander Heslop said HMNZS Canterbury was a unique vessel.

“The ship is the coolest in the world because it is Army, Air Force and Navy together.

“So although I wear blue and I’m in the Navy, I have army embarked all the time. I have seven army, the ship’s amphibious load team and we embark Air Force and they come with us.

“And so our motto is called kotahitanga, unity, so it’s the Defence Force united.” she said.

Inside the HMNZS Canterbury. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Canterbury was last in Lyttelton to help with the response to Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023.

It was stationed at Campbell and Auckland Islands when the storm hit but headed back to the mainland.

Commander Heslop said the coordination was incredible.

“A huge response, Ngāi Tahu were amazing and brought generators, the army brought bridges over from Burnham, and lots and lots of stores.

“We did lots and lots of shopping for feminine products and nappies and things to take up, and then we sailed for Napier. “

HMNZS Canterbury’s next destination is Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting with King Charles in October.

The vessel will be back in Lyttelton next year for the 15th anniversary of the Christchurch earthquakes.