Combat-focus for NZ Army’s new 2/1 Battalion Commanding Officer
Lieutenant Colonel Jerry Mateparae has taken command of the New Zealand Army’s primary combat unit for the South Island and returned to his military roots at Burnham Military Camp.
21 February, 2025
Lieutenant Colonel Mateparae, born in Whanganui, enlisted into the New Zealand Army in 2006, when his first posting was to 2nd/1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (RNZIR).
It was a real privilege to be back with his original unit, he said.
“It is a special unit, with a tight-knit team, a warfighting ethos, and a very strong unit culture.
“Having served with 2/1 for a large part of my career, it is awesome to have the opportunity to be back and be part of driving the unit forward.”
As well as holding a number of positions within 2/1, Lieutenant Colonel Mateparae, has served as a Commando within 1st New Zealand Special Air Service Regiment (1 NZSAS), and Special Operations Command New Zealand (SOCNZ) specialising in counter terrorism operations.
LTCOL Jerry Mateparae on patrol in the Shikari Valley, Task Group CRIB 17, Afghanistan 2011
LTCOL Jerry Mateparae and Kiwi Team 3, Task Group CRIB 17, Afghanistan 2011
LTCOL Jerry Mateparae and Delta Company, 10 Platoon, Task Group Gyro 5, Timor Leste 2008
Alpha Company Combat Team - 2/1 RNZIR, Exercise Southern Katipo 2017
As Commanding Officer of 2/1 RNZIR, he will now be responsible for the high-readiness Motorised Infantry Company Group (MICG) and High-Readiness Platoon Group (HRPG) for the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF). 2/1 RNZIR comprises of close to 400 personnel and five companies and support elements.
The MICG and high-readiness platoon are forces held at a higher level of readiness to deploy into crisis and conflict situations. They are expected to be better trained, better disciplined, flexible and able to deal with a wide range of situations and environments, deploying at little to no notice.
He said he wants to continue to build on the very strong platform established by the previous command team led by Lieutenant Colonel Sam Smith, and is excited to work with the team at 2/1 RNZIR including his Regimental Sergeant Major Warrant Officer Class One Matt Gates.
He said warfighting is infantry’s core business and 2/1’s role is to be prepared for all types of conflict operations.
“I intend to have a strong focus on the combat roles required of light infantry forces, while ensuring our people are able to also effectively operate within lower threat environments.
“I also want to use lessons from current conflicts and incorporate modern technology, where possible, to give our people every available advantage.”
The unit continues to introduce Network Enabled Army equipment and operating concepts.
“This is something I am really excited about as when this new technology is fully operational we will take a huge leap forward in our ability to operate on the modern battlefield,” he said.
Lieutenant Colonel Jerry Mateparae has taken command of the New Zealand Army’s primary combat unit for the South Island 2nd/1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (RNZIR)
LTCOL Jerry Mateparae with Sara and kids at graduation day from the US Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas
Lieutenant Colonel Mateparae has had a number of highlights in his career to-date and said they have generally all been while working as part of effective New Zealand Army or NZDF teams.
He has deployed on three overseas operational missions so far in his career including to Timor-Leste, Afghanistan and the Middle East.
“I have been super lucky throughout my career having had a number of opportunities to lead our best soldiers and officers for operational tasks in New Zealand and overseas.
“Deploying on operational duty both at home and abroad with New Zealand soldiers, for me remains the overall highlight. There is nothing else that I have experienced professionally that comes close,” he said.
A graduate of the United States Army Command General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, he said the NZDF’s investment in him still blew him away.
“The courses I’ve done, education I’ve received and experiences I’ve gained – I am incredibly stoked with the opportunities that I have been afforded throughout my career to date.”
Lieutenant Colonel Mateparae relocates back to the South Island with his wife Sara and their three sons, who are all looking forward to connecting again with the Selwyn community.
“I know the additional burden we place on our families with our roles as service personnel, such as the time away, relocating between camps, and stresses associated with service life.
“I am very appreciative of the support from my whānau which allows me to serve. I don’t take for granted the sacrifices our families make and I am keen to reduce this burden as much as possible.
“This means focussing on open communication, support where needed and a strong focus on our military community.
“I’m excited for the year ahead and know that 2/1 as always will be ready to face whatever challenges come our way. Kura Takahi Puni (We Are Ready).”