New NZ Army commander people-focussed and targeting preparation for combat

The Alexandra-raised soldier recently took command of 1^st (New Zealand) Brigade at a parade at Linton Military Camp. It is a crucial leadership role in the NZ Army.

He says his focus will be on the people he leads – soldiers and civilians – and wants to foster a culture where people work together, they are proud of what they do and they feel like they have contributed to something “bigger than themselves”.

“I want our people to value and enjoy their service. We have a tough job; one that can be tough on families, tough on relationships and tough on the body. But we are also privileged to be part of an incredible profession and one where we are needed,” he said. 

1^st (NZ) Brigade’s mission is to provide combat-ready land forces to secure and defend New Zealand’s interests and its people. It contains most of the Army’s deployable units across combat, artillery, engineers, command and combat service support.

Colonel van Welie said he would prioritise people looking out for one another and their whānau and ensuring units are ready when called upon by continuing to prioritise investment in people and in readiness activities.

Since graduating as an officer in 1998, Colonel van Welie has held numerous roles across the NZ Army and the wider Defence Force, from leading a platoon as a 20-year-old in East Timor through to his most recent posting as Assistant Chief of Army (Strategy) Army General Staff, where he also served as the acting Deputy Chief of Army earlier this year.

All roles had been a huge privilege, he said.

In taking over the mantle at 1^st (NZ) Brigade, Colonel van Welie acknowledged the work carried out by its former Commander Colonel Ben Bagley and Warrant Officer Class One Lyall Mooney, who led them through a tough period of regeneration.

“We are an army confronting some of the most significant strategic challenges we have faced for some time,” Colonel van Welie said.

“It comes as we complete a period of focused regeneration following Covid-19 which has been enabled by the hard work and commitment of our soldiers, civilians and leaders.”

Colonel van Welie said the Chief of Army, Major General Rose King, and her leadership team would be issuing a new Army Directive soon which would focus on sustained operational readiness. 

“I anticipate that it will imbue the brigade with a renewed sense of purpose and build energy towards making changes necessary to ensure we are prepared for conflict,” he said.

1^st (NZ) Brigade will conduct a series of important exercises in 2025, the most significant being Exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia, which is set to be the largest combined exercise for Ngāti Tūmatauenga, the New Zealand Army, next year.

This will include 1^st (NZ) Brigade deploying a motorised infantry combat team to the exercise.