

Navy workhorse respects Queen’s own mahi
After more than 40 years’ mahi in the Royal New Zealand Navy, Lieutenant Poutu ‘Tau’ Taua will finally deploy for a role that will be purely ceremonial – recognising the 70 years of service by Queen Elizabeth II.
02 June, 2022
Lieutenant Taua, of Tainui and who calls Christchurch home, has served in Solomon Islands, East Timor, the Golan Heights and most recently on Operation Protect, the New Zealand Defence Force’s contribution to the Government’s COVID-19 response.
He is second-in-command of the 40-strong contingent that will march 3.2km through the streets of London as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant on 5 June.

Lieutenant Taua is preparing for the NZDF's participation in the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations at the British Army's Pirbright Camp in Surrey.
“I’ve been serving Her Majesty for more than 40 years. I have never done a purely ceremonial operation before, and feel very honoured to be selected for this auspicious occasion,” he said as they rehearsed at a British Army camp in Surrey ahead of the event.
The Royal New Zealand Navy obviously has a significant relationship with Her Majesty. Her name is on all our ships and we have the crown in our crest. We wouldn’t be the Royal New Zealand Navy without her.
While the pageant is a ceremonial event, Lieutenant Taua still calls it a job that he wants to do well so that the New Zealand Defence Force and New Zealand can pay tribute to her more than 70 years of public service, which includes service during World War II as a mechanic.
“I have the utmost respect for her. Her service with the British Army shows she was willing to step up and do her bit. Wouldn’t be surprised if her head was stuck under the bonnet of a car after she’d been crowned.”

NZDF celebrates National Volunteer Week
People
Behind the scenes: Parachute Bay
People
Coaster takes ambition to Royal Pageant
People
Blenheim man serves around the world in name of Queen
People
Bay of Plenty woman follows grandfather's Royal Pageant path
People
Christchurch man honours the Queen with new Army family
People

Chief Petty Officer from Napier marches on biggest stage
People

Life in uniform: Private Leah Miles
People

From pram photo to Royal Pageant parade ground for Southland woman
People

Safe hands representing NZ in front of Queen
People

Queen inspired Whanganui man's service
People

Celebrating Samoan Language Week: Ordinary Musician Elijah Taula
People

Celebrating Samoan Language Week: Chief Petty Officer Master At Arms Lino Kurene
People

If she can do it, I can do it
People
Helping others top priority for Auckland Air Force Medic
People
RNZAF career extends Tauranga woman’s family legacy
People
RNZAF helps Devonport woman keep flying career alive
People
NATO award for Army Officer's Afghanistan work
People

Sailor's input to United Nations Command
People

RNZAF 85: Aircraftman Kanapa Kerr
People

RNZAF 85: Pilot Officer Kiwi Walker
People

RNZAF 85: Flight Sergeant Kim Harrison
People

RNZAF 85: Warrant Officer Viti Flanagan
People

RNZAF 85: Sergeant Joyce McGee
People

RNZAF 85: Squadron Leader John "JV" Voice
People

RNZAF 85: Wing Commander Terry Knight
People

RNZAF 85: Flight Lieutenant Jack Hall
People

RNZAF 85: Flying Officer Arthur "Joppy" Joplin
People

Defence Adviser in Fiji
People

NZDF financial head acknowledged by accounting peers
People
Deployed to Solomon Islands
People

Welcoming 2022 in South Sudan
People

Back-to-back maintainer
People

Women in Science
People

Army Officer smashes Guinness Book of World Records kettlebell challenge
People

Air Force dream becomes a reality for Taranaki woman
People

Navy offers Whangarei teen a dream opportunity
People

Newly graduated Waikato man has eyes on the sky
People

Navy STEM programme launches Upper Hutt student into medic career
People

Joining the Air Force a family affair for Northland man
People

Wellington sailor continues family naval tradition
People

Kaitaia Sailor celebrates commissioning to Naval Officer
People

Canterbury volunteer shows care for Op Protect personnel at Christmas
People

Westport sailor embraces new career as Navy Education Officer
People

Reflecting on being WOAF
People

'Incredible journey' to top Air Force leadership role
People

Zone out with axe throwing
People

Former soldier earns wings in return to military
People

Outstanding leadership by NZ Army Officer in Afghanistan recognised
People

Air Force leadership role brings challenge and opportunity
People
Dedication and innovation praised at Chief of Defence Force Awards
People
Exemplary soldier is NZDF Person of Year
People

Managed isolation stalwart named NZDF Reservist of the Year
People

Cadet of the Year an inspiration to the next generation
People

Sailor of the Year recognised in year of challenges
People

Navy Diver recognised for developing diversity
People
Pandemic management while in US posting earns top safety award
People

Allrounder wins NZDF Civilian of the Year award
People

‘Wellness' supporter named Defence Volunteer of the Year
People

Hard line against bullying earns instructor Soldier of the Year title
People

Defence HUMINT: An Airman’s Story
People

Passion for the job recognised by Airman of the Year award
People

NZDF opens up different world of legal challenges
People

RNZAF’s longest-serving woman signs off after years of progress
People

Operation Monitor: deployed to the Republic of Korea
People

Bonded to heritage
People

Reflections during Matariki
People

Navy Reserves keep Upper Hutt man's love of the sea alive
People

Bay of Plenty woman making the most of her time in the Navy
People

Flying dream achieved with late change in career flight path
People

Cook Islands sailor proud to deliver vaccine support
People

Graduate's father inspires Air Force career
People

Mother the inspiration for Air Force career choice
People

Variety with ‘the team’ attracts former Cricketer to Navy
People

New Plymouth woman swaps hospo for hootchies and hot spots
People

Swapping the Bomb Squad for an RNZAF Squadron
People

Perseverance pays off as Tauranga man achieves RNZAF dream
People

Mother’s inspiration sets Lower Hutt man on Navy medical career
People

Hercules way finder flying in the family footsteps
People

Navy offers aviation career for Palmerston North man
People

Keep it real
People

NZDF medical officer joins Australian response to Fiji Covid surge
People

Defence Force at the heart of historic Women’s Super Rugby match
People

Riverton man embraces opportunity of Army medical career
People

Ōtaki woman embracing change for RNZAF medical career
People

RNZAF Skyhawk history-maker calls time on illustrious career
People

NZ Army promotes first female General List Officer to Brigadier
People

Inspiring Mums
People

The long wait for the Red Diamond
People

Gisborne high flier aims to make a difference in new career
People

Queenstown woman tops RNZAF recruit course
People

Career change for new RNZAF recruit
People

RNZAF offers Nelsonian a second chance at aviation engineering career
People

Taupō Army Cadets eyes the sky after groundwork
People

Invercargill-born Army Band trumpeter returns to roots
People

Chasing goals and being a mum
People

Take your moko as a friend for life
People

Taupō siblings make it four Navy generations
People

Law graduate takes the helm of a navy career
People

Commendation for former Army Sniper
People
