RNZN Sailor of the Year lives core values

“I was pleasantly shocked when I heard my name being called for the award. I thought if I'm there for a reason, so were the other finalists.”

Based in the Navy’s littoral warfare unit, HMNZS Matataua, Acting Petty Officer Kotuhi is naturally drawn to roles where she is able to help and look after others. Those around her say her conduct and leadership extend well beyond her substantive rank.

Her citation says: “She coached junior rates, set fair tasking, and fostered a culture where people felt supported and standards mattered. She organised regular department sports activities, breakfasts, and simple team-building activities kept morale high during demanding periods. Her conduct consistently reflects the Navy’s core values: Courage, Commitment, Comradeship and Integrity.”

“She translated command intent into safe, reliable outputs that enabled boat, diving operations and Maritime Explosive Ordnance Disposal (MEOD) tasks.”

She said she was grateful to have the capacity to take on the role.

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 has gained a lot over the years.

“Being in the Navy comes with challenges, but the reward and consequences of those challenges have only made me a better person, helped me grow.

“I'm very lucky in the sense that my fiancé is also in the military, so he understands those challenges.”

Her fiancé Leading Diver Luke Lambe is also based in HMNZS Matataua, and Acting Petty Officer Kotuhi credits him for being her main support in her career.

“He definitely reins me in when I need it, but he is the first to lift me up too.”

Her citation noted how she goes above and beyond to help others.

“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 isn’t afraid to hold 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.”