Commanding Officer TE KAHA
Commander M.C. Williams, MNZM, RNZN
CDR Mat Williams joined the RNZN in January 1989 as a Seaman Officer. After completing initial training in the shore base HMNZS TAMAKI at Devonport, Auckland, he underwent sea training and qualified as a Bridge Watch-Keeping Officer in 1992 and Navigating Officer in 1993. Over the next four years he served at sea in various RNZN ships and on a four month exchange with the RAN in the guided missile destroyer HMAS BRISBANE. His sea-time was punctuated by a 14 month posting ashore as a Divisional Officer and Instructor at the RNZN Officer Training School in 1994/95.
CDR Williams completed Principal Warfare Officer training in Australia in 1998 at HMAS WATSON in Sydney. Specialising in Above Water Warfare he was awarded the Sydney Emden prize for Dux of PWO course and the Saint Barbara Association Prize for the most proficient results in the Gunnery Phase of his chosen specialisation. On completion of the PWO course CDR Williams served for 2½ years on exchange with the Royal Australian Navy as the Air Warfare Officer (AWO) and Operations Officer (OPSO) of the RAN’s (then) newest ANZAC Class Frigate, HMAS ARUNTA, where he was awarded an RAN Maritime Commander’s Commendation for ‘… superior conduct of duty and outstanding achievements …’.
Returning to New Zealand in April 2001 CDR Williams served as the Maritime Planner at Headquarters, Joint Forces New Zealand; Executive Officer and 2nd in command of HMNZS TE KAHA; and Fleet Warfare Officer, Maritime Operational Evaluation Team. CDR Williams was promoted to his current rank and appointed as the Director Naval Excellence (DNx), on the staff of the Chief of Navy, 2 December 2005. He was appointed as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in the 2007 New Year’s Honour list for services to the New Zealand Defence Force. CDR Williams assumed command of HMNZS TE KAHA, his present appointment, 16 Jan 08. In January 2009 TE KAHA was awarded the Chatham Rose Bowl by His Excellency the Governor General of New Zealand, the Honorable Anand Satyanand PCNZM QSO, for the most efficient fleet unit for 2008.
Commander Williams’ academic qualifications include a Masters Degree in Public Management (Victoria University, Wellington), a Bachelors Degree in Business Studies (Massey University, Auckland), and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (University of New South Wales).