New leadership team for NZ Army’s signals, intelligence and electronic warfare unit

Lieutenant Colonel Hume, who was born in Dunedin and raised in Christchurch, took charge of 1^st Command Support Regiment (1CSR) following a ceremony at Linton Military Camp, near Palmerston North, recently.

Along with her command appointment, the unit’s new Regimental Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class One Missy Greig, was also announced. They replace Lieutenant Colonel Kate Hockings-Mackie and WO1 Lofty Forsyth.

“1CSR is made up of a diverse range of trades and skillsets, which makes it quite different than any other Army unit,” Lieutenant Colonel Hume said. 

It has four sub units across three camps in New Zealand as well as two reserve companies around the country.

“This spread of people will be a challenge but we will continue to explore ways to ensure that our people feel connected.” 

She said her key work priorities would be the delivery of Network Enabled Army capabilities - which includes modernised planning, intelligence and communications systems - alongside supporting regular outputs.

This involves key exercises, developing leadership, trade and corps skills, and continuing to deliver cultural competency across the unit.

“People who join the military want to be part of a team, so it’s up to command to make sure that environment is right and functional for our people.

“At the core of our unit is our people, he tangata, he tangata, he tangata. The Regimental Sergeant Major and I will continue to focus on this as a priority and continue to support and grow our people.” 

Lieutenant Hume enlisted in the NZ Army as a 17-year-old in 2005 and commissioned as an officer in 2008 – and has been able to pursue her sporting passions of cycling, hockey, football and rowing – taking advantage of the military’s support for sporting pursuits. 

Lieutenant Colonel Hume has held a variety of positions in her career but said the highlight so far had been command roles and deployments.

She has deployed to the Solomon Islands, the United Nations mission in Lebanon and in 2023 to the UN mission in South Sudan.

“Deployments are such a unique and special opportunity as they offer the chance to work with people from a range of countries.

“Working together with a common goal of improving the lives of the local population and contributing to the international effort to prevent violence and protect vulnerable populations.”