Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Garin Golding
The Chief of Navy is our professional head of our Navy and Chairman of the Navy Leadership Board. He’s responsible to the Chief of Defence Force (CDF) for the effectiveness, efficiency and morale of our Navy.
36 years' service
Rear Admiral (RADM) Garin Golding joined the Royal New Zealand navy (RNZN) in January 1988. Starting out as a midshipman, he took a traditional path through the Navy as a Navigating Officer before taking up a specialisation in diving.
He was appointed Chief of Navy in September 2024.
He’s held many senior positions within the New Zealand Defence Force, including:
- Commanding Officer HMNZS Manawanui
- Lead Maritime Planner Joint Forces New Zealand
- Inspector General of the Navy
- Commander Deployable Joint Inter-Agency Task Force
- Acting Chief of Navy (Strategy and Engagement)
- Maritime Component Commander
RADM Golding is a recipient of two Chief of Navy Commendations and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
Education
RADM Golding is a graduate of both the RNZAF Junior Staff course and the NZDF Command and Staff College. He holds a Masters in Strategic Studies (Merit) and post grad Diplomas in Applied Management and Business.