Chief of Navy (New Zealand)
Chief of Navy (CN) commands the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) and is responsible to the Chief of Defence Force (CDF) for raising, training and sustaining those forces necessary to meet agreed government outputs. The CN acts as principal advisor to the CDF on Navy matters, and is the most senior appointment in the RNZN. The rank associated with the position is rear admiral, and CNs are generally appointed on a three-year term.
| Chief of Navy | |
|---|---|
Naval Ensign of New Zealand | |
| New Zealand Defence Force | |
| Style | Rear Admiral |
| Abbreviation | CN |
| Member of | Navy Leadership Board |
| Reports to | Chief of Defence Force |
| Term length | Three years (renewable) |
| Formation | 1 October 1941 |
| First holder | Commodore Edward Parry |
| Deputy | Deputy Chief of Navy |
| Website | Official website |
The position was originally created as Chief of Naval Staff and First Naval Member upon the formation of the RNZN on 1 October 1941. A number of the officers who became CNS served as Commodore, Auckland (later named Maritime Component Commander) before taking the helm of the Navy. The title changed to Chief of Naval Staff in 1970, and CN in 2003. Rear Admiral David Proctor, the incumbent CN, assumed the post on 29 November 2018.