The first woman to lead New Zealand’s Army, Major General Rose King, has spoken to 1News about breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field, her plans to address the army’s staffing and morale challenges, and why maintaining New Zealand’s military independence is more critical than ever.
When Major General Rose King enlisted in 1991, women were still restricted from many roles within the New Zealand Army.
Now, more than three decades later, she leads that same force as its first female Chief of Army, a role she describes as both humbling and a significant responsibility.
“It’s a huge privilege,” King said. “To be in any leadership role for me, let alone as the Chief … I never really joined with the aspirations to be the Chief,” she admitted.
“To be here is quite phenomenal, [and] the overwhelming support that came in was hugely humbling.”
Shaped by her experiences as both a military officer and a mother of two, Major General King explained her leadership style was rooted in empathy and respect.
But she acknowledged the challenges ahead, knowing she must build a stronger, more resilient army at a time when the force has been described as “hollow” and “fragile”.
“I’m also quite keen to actually get on and lead,” she added.
Strengthening trans-Tasman ties while staying independent
Currently in Melbourne for the Land Forces Expo, Major General King’s focus was on strengthening New Zealand’s military ties with Australia.
Speaking about her participation at the Expo, she said: “It’s fantastic to be able to come here with Australia.”
“They are our ally and one of our closest friends. We’re able to meet counterparts from over 20 nations, share ideas, and learn from each other.
“There’s an opportunity to leverage off the strengths of working together.”
Major General Rose King, New Zealand’s first female Army chief, spoke to Australia Correspondent Aziz Al Sa’afin at a military expo in Melbourne. (Source: 1News)
King also met with her Australian counterpart, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, to discuss deepening military collaboration, particularly through the Plan Anzac agreement, which aims to align strategic plans and joint operations between the two nations.
However, while she sees the benefits of working closely with Australia, she stressed that New Zealand’s Army would remain independent.
“We will work closely together, but we won’t lose our identity,” she said.
“The ngāti tumatauenga — who we are — and the strength that te ao Māori brings to us really sets us apart and gives us a connection, particularly within the Pacific.”
Addressing staffing and attrition challenges, considering Australia’s ‘gap year’ programme
Under Major General King’s leadership, the New Zealand Army will be exploring new initiatives to tackle its staffing shortages.
Like many military forces around the world, the New Zealand Army faces significant staffing challenges.
King acknowledged attrition rates, which peaked at over 17% but had since dropped to 9.2%, remained a major concern.
“We are faced with many challenges, just like everyone else,” she explained.
“When I talk about hollowness, it’s the people who have left with experience. We have organisations with workforces below where they should be. My challenge is, how do I lead us through these times and deliver what we need to?”
Major General King said she was exploring various strategies to improve retention, including considering initiatives like Australia’s gap year programme, where young people sign up for voluntary service for a limited period.
“It’s one of the initiatives being considered,” she confirmed.
“We’ve been working hand in glove with Australia, and we’ve shared what we’ve done, just as they have with us. We have to work through a few more details yet about whether it’ll work, but it has definitely been considered. That’s one of the key things we’ve been looking at.”
Australia, in an effort to bolster its forces, has been actively recruiting Kiwis, offering enticing incentives. Major General King, however, remains unfazed by the competition.
“All the armies are having exactly the same issues,” she said.
“Although the scale of our organisations may be different, the challenges we face are the same.”
“I’m really proud of the soldiers that we have and what they do. They’re exceptional individuals, they’re smart, and they really perform. What individuals choose to do will be their choice, but I’m pretty confident.”
Preparing for war
As anti-war demonstrations erupted outside the Land Forces Expo, with protesters labelling the event a “one-stop genocide shop”, Major General King acknowledged their right to protest while reinforcing the importance of preparing for potential conflict.
“Success for me is that there is no war,” she said.
“That’s my whole purpose. The best outcome is peace, but we obviously have to prepare for that.”
King emphasised the army’s role is fundamentally about protecting New Zealand and its interests, even in the face of rising global tensions.
“If it wasn’t for the sacrifices of those who have gone before us, we wouldn’t be able to have the protesters that you have today,” she noted.
First woman to lead the NZ Army
As the first woman to lead the New Zealand Army, Major General King said she hoped she will inspire future generations of women to consider a career in the military.
Reflecting on her journey, she said “when I joined, there were positions I wasn’t allowed to do because of gender”.
“Now, women can serve in any part of our organisation based on competency, not gender or religion.”
While she never considered herself a role model, Major General King acknowledged the responsibility that comes with her position.
“There’s a power that comes with being in a position to inspire others,” she said.
“My parents taught me two things — be respectful, treat others how you want to be treated, and work hard. You’d be surprised what you can achieve. If a little girl from a tiny place north of Whanganui can manage to be the Chief of Army, then others can do amazing things too.”