RNZN Person of the Year for 2025 Acting Petty Officer Kotuhi

A Royal New Zealand Navy sailor who has shown exceptional leadership, and strengthened morale, cohesion and trust, has been named our Person of the Year for 2025.

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.

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.