The Alexandra-raised soldier recently took command of New Zealand’s only brigade, the 1st (New Zealand) Brigade, at a parade at Linton Military Camp. In a statement yesterday, the army said it was a crucial leadership role.
Col van Welie, the older brother of former Olympic swimmer Liz van Welie, said his focus would be on the people he led — soldiers and civilians — and he wanted to foster a culture where people worked together, were proud of what they did and felt like they had 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.
1st (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.
The brigade consists of about 3500 personnel, including Reserve Force soldiers.
Since graduating as an officer in 1998, Col 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.
"We are an army confronting some of the most significant strategic challenges we have faced for some time.
"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."
Col van Welie said the chief of army, Major-general Rose King, and her leadership team would be issuing a new 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.
1st (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 the NZ Army next year. — APL
