Acting Petty Officer Marine Technician Kristen Kotuhi, Ngāti Raukawa, has been named the New Zealand Defence Force Person of the Year for 2025, an honour that comes alongside the title of Royal New Zealand Navy Sailor of the Year. The presentation took place at Government House in Wellington, with family and shipmates present alongside Governor General Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro and Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Tony Davies.
After the ceremony, Kotuhi admitted the recognition still felt a little unreal.
“I was so honoured to even be considered, let alone to be the recipient. It is still sinking in, but I hope I can serve well in the role and bring my own touch to it.”
Her work is centred on HMNZS Matataua, the Navy's home of diving, military hydrography and Maritime Explosive Ordnance Disposal. These are disciplines where accuracy and reliability are essential every day, whether supporting coastal surveys or preparing gear for high-risk work below the surface. Her citation recognised her steady professionalism, her technical depth and her capacity for front-line leadership across a busy year for the Navy.
Among her contributions, she has helped speed up the introduction of new equipment and improved the readiness of the small craft her unit depends on. In a branch of the Navy where gaps in preparation carry real consequences for safety and mission performance, that reliability matters greatly.
Kotuhi grew up in Tokoroa and Kawerau as the eldest of eight daughters. Her path to the Navy opened when Defence Force recruiters visited her school, and the combination of sport, travel and a clear career path appealed to her. She enlisted not long after finishing at Trident High School in Whakatāne. Looking back, she says the Navy has shaped her in ways she did not expect.
“Being in the Navy comes with challenges, but those challenges have made me better. They have helped me grow.”
Stepping into a more senior role this year, she has handled the transition with the same steadiness those around her have come to expect. Whether preparing dive boats, working through ordnance disposal equipment checks or making certain the documentation and training behind each system is properly maintained, she stays with the task until she is satisfied. Her command team has placed trust in her quickly, and that confidence appears well founded.
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Younger sailors in the unit have also benefited from her presence. Her willingness to guide those still finding their feet has lifted morale, encouraged tighter teamwork and strengthened the unit's standing. When senior personnel are away, she takes charge without fuss.
Beyond operational duties, Kotuhi represents the Navy through sport, recruiting and community work with Otara Blue Light. By engaging directly with young people, she offers an honest picture of what a life in service actually looks like. For many who encounter her, she is a first genuine connection to a maritime career.
At the ceremony, Air Marshal Davies took a moment to reflect on what the past year had asked of people across the Defence Force.
“You represent the best of Aotearoa. Your work is often quiet and not widely seen, but it remains essential and respected.”
The event also recognised recipients in several other categories, including Soldier of the Year, Aviator of the Year, Civilian of the Year, Reservist of the Year, Cadet Forces Person of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Innovation of the Year, and leading performers across sport, safety and study.
Kotuhi's award draws attention to the skilled, methodical work that underpins the Navy's operational achievements. Those who serve alongside her describe someone who holds firm standards, leads by example as a matter of course, and consistently brings the people around her forward with her.
