Acting Chief of Defence Force, Rear Admiral Mathew Williams
The Chief of Defence Force (CDF) is the professional head of the NZDF and serves as the principal military adviser to the government.
From warfare to strategy
Rear Admiral (RADM) Mat Williams MNZM joined the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) in 1989 as a seaman officer. He became Vice Chief of Defence Force in August 2024.
His roles in the Defence Force over his career include:
· Commanding Officer HMNZS Te Kaha
· New Zealand Naval Attache to the United States
· Maritime Planner Joint Forces New Zealand
· Military Secretary to the Minister of Defence
· Maritime Component Commander
· Deputy Chief of Navy
· Head of Defence Capability
RADM Williams was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2007 New Year Honours list.
RADM Williams holds a Master of International Security and Strategy (King's College, London); Master of Public Management (Victoria University), Bachelor of Business Studies (Massey University), and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (University of New South Wales).
He is a Member of the Royal College of Defence Studies, London.