

Outstanding leadership by NZ Army Officer in Afghanistan recognised
Brigadier Rose King’s ability to focus under pressure, synchronise multiple headquarters and agencies and her ability to bringing diverse organisations together whilst deployed to Afghanistan has been acknowledged.
08 December, 2021
The New Zealand Army officer has received the NATO Meritorious Service Medal following her deployment to Bagram, Afghanistan in 2018 as Director of Future Operations in the NATO Headquarters of Operation Resolute Support.
During her six-month deployment, Brigadier King, who then held the rank of colonel, was responsible for planning and synchronizing NATO’s future operations across Afghanistan.
Her citation described her as a “paramount detailed planner” who brought diverse organisations together and created a framework which focused military pressure against the Taliban, forcing them to the negotiating table.
During her deployment, she led by example through her commitment, planning, leadership and ability to deliver under pressure.



Brigadier Rose King receives the NATO Meritorious Service Medal from the Minister of Defence Peeni Henare, the NATO Meritorious Service Medal and Brigadier Rose King with the Chief of Defence Air Marshal Kevin Short
Minister of Defence Peeni Henare presented Brigadier King with the medal at a small ceremony in front of colleagues, family and close friends at Parliament on Tuesday.
“The example Brigadier King sets for those around her, both in New Zealand and on the international stage, is inspirational and reflects the values our Defence Force stands for,” he said.
Brigadier King said she was humbled to be acknowledged for her contribution to NATO’s Resolute Support Mission during a dynamic and high-intensity deployment which included the first cease fire and security planning for elections.
She said the recognition reflected the high calibre of the multinational Future Operations team she led.
“This mission was one of the most personally challenging roles I have had but on reflection also the most rewarding.
“In receiving this medal, I am reminded of the team of committed people I had the privilege of working with and leading toward the united goal of enhancing the lives of Afghans. “Although the situation has changed dramatically since my time there, I am still immensely proud of the work we achieved.”
- Brigadier Rose King
Brigadier King is the first woman in the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) to receive the prestigious NATO award, and at the time was only the third NZDF recipient. A fourth recipient has subsequently been awarded the medal.
Brigadier King, who has served in the NZDF for 30 years, has most recently worked as Head of Managed Isolation and Quarantine – Operations and will shortly begin her new role as the Deputy Chief of the New Zealand Army.

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

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
