Defence Minister Announces New Chiefs of Navy, Army, and Air Force

The service chiefs will command their respective branches while reporting to the Chief of Defence Force and advising the Minister of Defence.

Defence Minister Judith Collins has announced the appointments of Commodore Garin Golding, Brigadier Rose King, and Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb as the new chiefs of the Navy, Army, and Air Force, respectively. These distinguished leaders bring extensive experience and strategic insight to their roles, ensuring that the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is well-prepared to address the challenges of an increasingly complex global security environment.

“These accomplished leaders are the NZDF’s most senior officers in their service, dedicated to serving our country,” Minister Collins stated. “The Government is committed to ensuring the NZDF is well-led and equipped to contribute to New Zealand’s security and global peace.”

The service chiefs will command their respective branches while reporting to the Chief of Defence Force and advising the Minister of Defence. Their appointments, made by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Minister of Defence, are for a three-year term beginning 27 August. Commodore Golding will be promoted to Rear Admiral, Brigadier King to Major General, and Air Vice-Marshal Webb, who has been Chief of Air Force since last year, will retain his current rank.

The NZDF leadership team will be further strengthened by Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Tony Davies' appointments of Commodore Mat Williams as Vice Chief of Defence Force and Brigadier Rob Krushka as Commander Joint Forces New Zealand. Commodore Williams and Brigadier Krushka will assume their roles on 27 August and 30 August, respectively, with promotions to Rear Admiral and Major General.

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

Biographies:

Commodore Garin Golding: Currently the Maritime Component Commander, Commodore Golding has held various key positions, including Director of Maritime Domain, Deputy Chief of Navy (Strategy and Engagement), and Commander of the Deployable Joint Inter-Agency Task Force. He holds a Master of Arts in International Security and Strategy from King’s College London, a Master of Strategic Studies from Victoria University of Wellington, and a Diploma in Applied Business Management from Auckland University of Technology. Commodore Golding joined the Navy in 1988.

Brigadier Rose King: The first woman to be appointed Chief of Army, Brigadier King has served as Acting Chief of Army since June and was Deputy Chief of Army from 2022 to 2024. Her experience includes roles such as Director of Strategic Commitments and Chief Operational Planner at Resolute Support Headquarters in Afghanistan. Brigadier King holds a Bachelor of Defence Studies from Massey University, a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies from Deakin University, and a Master of Management in Defence Studies from the University of Canberra. She joined the Army in 1991.

Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb: Serving as Chief of Air Force since 2023, Air Vice-Marshal Webb has held various leadership positions, including Assistant Chief of Defence – Strategic Commitments and Engagements, and COVID-19 Operational Lead for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. He holds a Master of Strategic Studies from Deakin University and a Post Graduate Diploma in Defence and Security Studies from Massey University. Air Vice-Marshal Webb joined the Air Force in 1990.

These appointments reflect the Government's commitment to a well-led and prepared NZDF, capable of meeting future challenges and contributing to global peace and stability.