The Defence Force Person of the Year award celebrates individual success and recognises organisational excellence. The 2025 NZDF Person of the Year, Acting Petty Officer Kristen Kotuhi received her award, a bronze statue of a huia feather, from Dame Cindy and the Chief of Defence, Air Marshal Tony Davies at a ceremony at Government House this afternoon. Petty Officer Kotuhi was selected from award winners in the following categories: Sailor of the Year, Soldier of the Year, Aviator of the Year, Civilian of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Safety Person of the Year, Outstanding Sport Award, Innovation of the Year, Reservist of the Year and SQNLDR Rule Memorial Trophy for Inclusion. Congratulations to Petty Officer Kotuhi, the individual award recipients, and top recruits who attended the event.
To read Dame Cindy's speech, go to this link: NZDF Person of the Year.
To see further images, go to this link: NZDF Person of the Year.
