2025 NZDF Person of the Year – Sailor shows exceptional leadership and technical mastery

Acting Petty Officer Marine Technician Kristen Kotuhi (Ngāti Raukawa), is also the RNZN Sailor of the Year.

Acting Petty Officer Kotuhi was presented with the award by New Zealand Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro and Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Tony Davies in a ceremony at Government House, in Wellington in front of her fiancé, shipmates and colleagues.

“I was so honoured to even be considered, let alone to be the recipient,” Acting Petty Officer Kotuhi said.

“It's still surreal, but I hope I can fulfil the role in the best way possible, while bringing my personal touch and love to it.”

Her citation noted her exceptional professionalism, leadership and technical mastery throughout 2025. Acting Petty Officer Kotuhi’s skills have directly enhanced the outputs of the Defence Force, leading to changes that have accelerated the introduction of key capabilities, lifting boat readiness for operations and exercises. Her expertise and commitment to excellence has been critical to operational effectiveness.

The NZDF Person of the Year award honours those who have demonstrated the organisation’s values, contributing in a tangible way to outputs and mission and to the wellbeing of others – in this, Acting Petty Officer Kotuhi has gone above and beyond in her service to the Defence Force.

At the ceremony, Air Marshal Davies told those gathered it had been an active year for the NZDF.

“Across our deployment areas, there have been many opportunities to demonstrate professionalism, leadership, courage, discipline, integrity, respect and loyalty,” he said.

“You represent the very best of Aotearoa – grounded in our values, united in our purpose. Your mahi is often quiet and often unseen. But it is always vital and always respected.”

Growing up in Tokoroa and Kawerau, as the oldest of eight daughters, Acting Petty Officer Kotuhi said recruiting drives at school motivated her to look at the military as a career.

“I found out I could play sport, travel the world and make money. It sounded like a win-win. I enlisted as soon as I had finished at Trident High School in Whakatāne.”

Looking at her career so far, she said she had gained a lot over the years, “Being in the Navy comes with challenges, but the rewards and consequences of those challenges have only made me a better person, helped me grow.”

Stepping up to a key senior role as a Petty Officer this year, her citation said those around her see her display the judgement of a seasoned senior rate, translating command intent into safe, reliable outputs – critical to the operational effectiveness of her boat, diving and Maritime Explosive Ordnance Disposal capabilities with HMNZS Matataua, the Navy’s centre of excellence for diving and military hydrography.

Acting Petty Officer Kotuhi’s steady leadership, and mentoring skills with junior rates has strengthened morale, cohesion and trust, enhancing the unit’s reputation for excellence.

“She builds an inclusive team that looks after one another and delivers together, and isn’t afraid to take charge under pressure when senior staff are absent.

“She stays with a job until equipment is safe to operate and follows through on training and documentation. She holds the line on safe systems and standards, instructing only what is right, addressing minor misses openly, and giving command the information needed for better decision making.”

Outside of the workplace, Acting Petty Officer Kotuhi represents the RNZN with distinction through sport, recruiting initiatives and volunteering with Otara Blue Light - contributions that elevate the Navy and inspire youth.

Also recognised at Thursday’s ceremony were the Solider of the Year, Aviator of the Year, Civilian of the Year, Reservist of the Year, Cadet Forces Person of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Innovation of the Year, recipients of the Outstanding Sports Award, NZDF Safety Award and Peter Rule Memorial Trophy, and personnel who excelled during their commissioning courses, initial recruit training and advanced study.

Read more about this year’s award recipients.