Lieutenant General Rhys Jones Appointed Chair of National War Memorial Advisory Council

Lieutenant General Rhys Jones has been appointed chair of the National War Memorial Advisory Council, Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith says.

Mr Jones brings considerable military, commemoration, and governance experience to the Council.

He had a 35-year career in the New Zealand Defence Force, where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant General as Chief of Defence Force. He has since held various leadership and governance roles with the Great War Exhibition, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, and the Board of the Australasian Fire Authorities Council. He is currently Chair of the Royal New Zealand and Returned Services Association.

I would like to thank departing Chair Fiona Cassidy for her service and dedication to the National War Memorial Advisory Council over the last 16 years.

Mr Jones has been appointed until 30 November 2028.

Staff Sergeant Tina Grant DSD and Colonel (Retired) Roger Howard have been reappointed as members of the Council. Ms Grant has been reappointed until 30 September 2028 and Mr Howard until 30 November 2026.