Brendan Horsley Appointed as NZ's First Inspector-General of Defence

The establishment of this office aims to provide greater transparency in military operations, ensuring that the NZDF operates in line with New Zealand’s legal and ethical standards.

The House has confirmed the appointment of Brendan Horsley as New Zealand’s inaugural Inspector-General of Defence, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith announced today.

Mr. Horsley brings extensive experience in oversight and legal expertise to the newly established office. He currently serves as Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, a position he has held since June 2020, where he has been instrumental in strengthening transparency and accountability within the intelligence community.

Prior to this role, Mr. Horsley was:

• Deputy Solicitor-General at Crown Law, providing legal advice to the Government on critical matters; and
• The founding National Director of the Public Defence Service, where he established a robust framework for public legal defense in New Zealand.

Minister Goldsmith praised Mr. Horsley’s appointment, stating, “His expertise will be invaluable in building the foundation of the Inspector-General of Defence office and its support networks. I am grateful for his willingness to contribute his significant skills to this important role.”

Inspector-General of Defence: A New Statutory Office

The creation of the Inspector-General of Defence follows a key recommendation from the Inquiry into Operation Burnham, which called for independent oversight of New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) activities.

The primary responsibilities of the Inspector-General include:

1. Investigating Incidents: Examining occurrences during NZDF operations to ensure accountability and adherence to standards.
2. Improving Policies: Assessing and recommending enhancements to NZDF policies and procedures to uphold best practices.

Strengthening Trust and Accountability

The establishment of this office aims to provide greater transparency in military operations, ensuring that the NZDF operates in line with New Zealand’s legal and ethical standards.

Mr. Horsley’s role will be pivotal in building public trust and fostering a culture of accountability within the NZDF. His background in intelligence oversight and legal leadership makes him well-equipped to handle the complexities of this role.

Looking Ahead

As Mr. Horsley prepares to take on his new responsibilities, he will focus on building a robust framework for the Inspector-General’s office, supported by a team dedicated to thorough investigations and continuous improvement in Defence operations.

“The Inspector-General of Defence is a critical addition to our oversight framework, and Mr. Horsley’s leadership will ensure its success,” Minister Goldsmith concluded.

The office will officially commence operations in the coming months, with initial priorities including the establishment of investigation protocols and engagement with stakeholders across the Defence and legal sectors.