Commanding Officer - HMNZS MANAWANUI A09
Lieutenant Commander Kerry Driver, RNZN
Lieutenant Commander Kerry Driver was born in Wanganui, New Zealand on 30 August 1977. Educated at Awatapu College in Palmerston North, he completed a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Media Studies at Massey University in 2001.
He joined the Royal New Zealand Navy in February 2002 as a Direct Entry Seaman Officer in the rank of Ensign. On completion of Junior Officer Common Training Kerry was promoted to Sub Lieutenant and then completed his Grade Three Watch-Keeping Certificate.
In 2003 LT CDR Driver served onboard HMNZ Ships RESOLUTION, TE MANA, and TE KAHA prior to commencing his Advanced Bridge Watch Keeping Course in April 2004. On successful completion of this course he was posted to the “Last of the Leanders”, HMNZS CANTERBURY where he was awarded his Grade Two Bridge Watch Keeping certificate in March 2005.
After being part of the de-commissioning crew for HMNZS CANTERBURY, LT CDR Driver joined HMNZS ENDEAVOUR in April 2005, and on completion of the Ship Command Course in April 2006 was subsequently posted to HMNZS MANAWANUI as Executive Officer for nine months. LT CDR gained his Grade One Bridge Watch-Keeping Certificate whilst serving aboard HMNZS TE KAHA in November 2007.
In 2010 LT CDR Driver served as a Military Observer as part of the United Nations Mission in Sudan. As part of this operational deployment he was awarded the New Zealand Operational Service Medal and the United Nations Medal.
He rejoined HMNZS ENDEAVOUR in 2011 as the Operations Officer prior to commencing a role as the Assistant Director Naval Officer Career Management (Operations) in January 2012.
On 29 November 2012, LT CDR Driver assumed command of HMNZS MANAWANUI.
LT CDR Driver is a keen sportsman and enjoys playing all sports. His other interests include Mountain Biking and Scuba Diving. He lives in Devonport, Auckland with his partner Susan, and new son Mcleod.