Major General Rose King
Chief Of Army
The Chief of Army is the most senior officer of the New Zealand Army. They are responsible for leading, managing, and developing the army and civilian personnel. The Chief of Army reports to the Chief of Defence Force.
Major General Rose King enlisted into the New Zealand Army in July 1991, graduating into the Corps of Royal New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in June 1992.
Throughout her career Major General King has undertaken a range of regimental, staff and training appointments including postings as Chief Instructor Tactical School, S4 2nd Land Force Group (primary staff officer logistics), Officer Commanding Support Squadron Queen Alexandra’s Mounted Rifles and Commanding Officer of 2nd Combat Service Support Battalion.
As a senior officer Major General King has held a variety of appointments within Defence including Director Reserves and Youth Development, Director of Strategic Commitments, and Chief of Staff Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand.
In addition to her time with the New Zealand Defence Force, Major General King was seconded to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment as the Director of Operations, Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) to joint lead New Zealand’s COVID MIQ response.
Major General King’s operational service includes the United Nations Mission of Observers Prevlaka (for 12 months), and Afghanistan as the Chief Operational Planner (CJ35) within Resolute Support Headquarters. In addition to her NZ medallic recognition she has been awarded the NATO Meritorious Service Medal, the US Meritorious Service Medal and the US Army Commendation medal.
Major General King is a graduate of the Australian Command and Staff College and the Centre of Defence and Strategic Studies, Australia. She is an inaugural fellow of the Halifax Peace with Women Fellowship.
She has a Masters of Management in Defence Studies from the University of Canberra, a Master of Arts (Strategic Studies) from Deakin University and a Bachelor of Defence Studies from Massey University.
Major General King was promoted to Brigadier in June 2021 and appointed Deputy Chief of the New Zealand Army in December 2021. She was appointed to Chief of Army in August 2024.