KATE ELIZABETH STAUNTON
NZ Defence Force Recruiting Organisation.
Cromwell,OTA
Work Preference
Work Type
ConsultingPart TimeFull TimeContract WorkGig WorkVolunteer
Location Preference
HybridRemoteOn-Site
Location:
Cromwell, OTA
Open to relocation:
Yes
Important To Me
Work-life balanceCompany CulturePersonal development programsHealthcare benefitsWork from home optionPaid time off
Innovative professional with nearly three decades of diverse experience. Skilled in airworthiness, enhancing systems and aligning technical solutions with business objectives. Proven success in leading projects and contributing to organisational growth and success with time spent in Defence Recruitment for the NZ Defence Force. Combining accountability with technical and subject-matter expertise, providing engaged leadership and translating operational requirements into disciplined execution. PROSCI Change Management Foundation and Practitioner courses accreditation March/May 2023 and PRINCE2 (Foundation + Practitioner) with Practitioner exams scheduled for October 2026.
Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams and managing complex projects. Excels in developing efficient processes and ensuring high standards are maintained. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
Organised and dependable, successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Tech-savvy innovator with hands-on experience in emerging technologies including Salesforce and passion for continuous improvement. Skilled in identifying opportunities for technological enhancements and implementing effective solutions. Adept at leveraging new tools and methods to solve problems and enhance productivity. Excels in adapting to fast-paced environments and driving technological advancements.
Proactive and goal-oriented professional with excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Known for reliability and adaptability, with swift capacity to learn and apply new skills. Committed to leveraging these qualities to drive team success and contribute to organisational growth. Dynamic individual with talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organisational goals.
2
Languages
3
Certification
26
Years of experience
Work History
Project Management Team
1 Year 3 Months
NZ Defence Force Recruiting Organisation. - Defence Careers Centre, Grey Lynn, Auckland | 06.2025 - Current
- Experienced Air Loadmaster in the Royal NZ Air Force, bringing strong operational, governance and stakeholder-ready delivery experience.
- Applied governance and compliance rigour to specific projects ensuring recruiting processes were followed end-to-end, including quality standards and procedural expectations.
- Assisted projects team by using frontline knowledge to identify process gaps, analyse root causes, and propose practical improvements.
- Supported the rollout of new recruiting processes through clear guidance, structured checks, and stakeholder engagement.
- Acted as a trusted point of support during implementation, maintaining service continuity while changes were introduced.
- Used critical thinking and structured decision-making to manage competing priorities and ensure outcomes met recruitment and governance requirements.
- Organised professional with expertise in managing resources and optimising performance. Committed to enhancing productivity and contributing to overall success.
- Adaptable individual with exceptional interpersonal skills and talent for building relationships. Focused on fostering positive interactions and creating collaborative environment.
- Versatile professional with strong problem-solving skills and history of adapting to diverse challenges. Applies innovative solutions and technical expertise to deliver exceptional results.
- Assisted with regulating, reviewing, and correcting policy and procedure relating to NZ Citizenship requirements for selected candidates during the onboarding process within Defence Recruiting.
- Owned key Defence Recruiting project deliverables, including the creation and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the onboarding of civilian medical practitioners approved to conduct candidate medical assessments.
- Completed PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner courses (Aug 2026), strengthening governance and disciplined delivery capability for complex projects.
Auckland Senior Regional Recruiter
3 Years
Defence Careers, NZ Defence Force. - Arch Hill, Grey Lynn, Auckland | 06.2022 - 06.2025
- Supported complex, multi-stakeholder projects and their rollout at regional level, applying operational rigour to achieve Defence Recruiting outcomes in a fast paced, high-demand environment.
- Applied 26 years of Defence operational experience to navigate ambiguity, manage risk, and drive delivery with precision and pace while providing team leadership direction.
- Coordinated across tri-service stakeholders (Navy, Army, Air Force) and senior leadership, acting as a trusted conduit between decision-makers and individual recruiters.
- Managed nine NZ Army, Navy and Air Force recruiters for the Auckland region in a high-tempo recruiting environment, ensuring team performance and strict compliance with required processes and governance standards.
- Delivered supervisory assurance and used strong Salesforce capability to track workflows, monitor progress, and maintain accurate reporting.
- Held responsibility for performance management and adverse reporting for individual recruiters, ensuring consistent operational effectiveness and adherence to expectations.
- Frequently covered one-up and two-up roles; Regional Recruiting Officer (RRO) / Deputy Regional Recruiting Officer (DRRO), providing supervision for the entire Northern region, spanning from Northland to mid-central North Island.
- During RRO/DRRO cover, responsibilities consisted of leading team assurance activities across the region, maintaining process compliance, operational effectiveness, and continuity of high-tempo delivery.
Air Loadmaster - Boeing 757 and C130 Hercules
15 Years 4 Months
NZ Defence Force, Royal NZ Air Force. - Whenuapai, Auckland | 02.2007 - 06.2022
- Served as a flying crew member on the C130 Hercules Air Loadmaster for six years (2006-2012) and the B757 Air Loadmaster for 10 years (2012-2022) with additional responsibilities as the B757 Section Leader, Categorisation Officer and Qualified Aircrew Instructor.
- Conducted Flight Safety, Cabin Crew First Aid, Combat First Aid, Workplace First Aid, Dangerous Goods Handling, Weapons training courses annually/biannually.
- Responsible for rostering, mentorship, and training of junior Air Loadmasters, building capability in safe, compliant mission support delivery.
- Acted as the pivotal conduit aircrew member, providing overall accountability to ensure accurate passenger and mission timings for all stakeholders.
- “Face of the crew” for ministerial, Royal Family and VIP delegate missions; established strong rapport with passengers and maintained professional standards in high temp and sensitive environments.
- Delivered mission support and compliance requirements in complex operations including areas of conflict, humanitarian aid and disaster relief.
- Coordinated end-to-end aircraft loading and load planning, ensuring weight and balance compliance, safe aircraft operation, and adherence to loading procedures.
- Supervised loading teams, improving workflow efficiency and safety while ensuring correct documentation, cargo securement, and equipment readiness.
- Trained and mentored junior Air Loadmaster's through standard practices, safety protocols, and training materials to improve capability and consistency.
- Conducted inspections and audits of loading equipment, cargo manifests, and securement—reducing errors and preventing operational risk.
- Managed complex logistics and stakeholder requirements by resolving discrepancies, handling special requests, and maintaining clear communication with customers and management.
- Supported mission-critical operations and hazardous materials handling in line with compliance and safety guidelines, including contingency actions if needed.
Air Movements
3 Years 11 Months
Defence Air Movements | 01.2015 - 12.2018
- Promoted into Air Movements Auckland as the Load Control and Training Supervisor, applying Air Loadmaster expertise to Logistical Ground Operations with high safety and timing accountability.
- Ensured safe loading and operational readiness for Royal NZ aircraft and visits from allied aircraft, maintaining strict compliance requirements.
- Managed three shifts with approximately 7 personnel per shift, ensuring workforce capability, safe operation, and disciplined delivery in a high-tempo environment.
- Provided oversight of training and readiness so staff could operate safely and compliantly while meeting strict timing requirements for humanitarian aid, dignitary, and ministerial flights.
- Deployed as part of the NZ Air Load Team to operational environments in the UAE and middle east, working alongside allied nations in a collaborative, joint-mission environment under combined tasking.
- Coordinated air movement activity by aligning operational plans to stakeholder expectations and enabling timely execution of priorities.
- Facilitated structured execution through clear communication, prioritisation, and awareness of operational dependencies.
- Supported team effectiveness through a respectful, friendly, “willing to help” leadership style—maintaining continuity during demanding operations.
- Worked efficiently in day-to-day operations with all team members and maintained reliability across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
Education
High School Diploma - Aviation Management
Massey University - Fiordland College 1994-2000
08-2026
Study in Progress (Paused) | Re-enrolment planned; potential change of study focus.
Skills
Project Leadership & Delivery Governance
Stakeholder Management & Executive Decision Support
Risk
Dependencies & Mitigation Planning
Executive Reporting
Briefings & Recommendations
Compliance Alignment & SOP Governance
Change Management & Continuous Improvement
Certification
PRINCE2 Foundation & Practitioner — In Progress, Foundation + Practitioner training completed: July 2026, Practitioner exam: October 2026
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Hybrid/remote availability with periodic attendance in Auckland as required
- Defence service plan: departure planned end of 2026
Languages
Japanese
Limited Working
English
C2
Bilingual or Proficient
Timeline
Project Management Team
NZ Defence Force Recruiting Organisation.
06.2025 - CurrentRead more
Auckland Senior Regional Recruiter
Defence Careers, NZ Defence Force.
06.2022 - 06.2025Read more
Air Movements
Defence Air Movements
01.2015 - 12.2018Read more
Air Loadmaster - Boeing 757 and C130 Hercules
NZ Defence Force, Royal NZ Air Force.
02.2007 - 06.2022Read more
Massey University - High School Diploma, Aviation Management
Read more