Susie Barns appointed Australia deputy air commander, a first for NZ

Royal New Zealand Air Force Group Captain Susie Barns takes the role of Air Commodore, flanked by Air Commander Australia Air Vice-Marshal Glen Braz, left, and her partner Tom at her appointment ceremony in the ADF Academy officers' mess. Photo / Aircraftman Jakob Reid

• Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Susie Barns has been appointed as Australia’s Deputy Air Commander – the first Kiwi to win the role.
• She has 33 years of military service and says her leadership style is grounded in te ao Māori principles.
• Barns’ appointment follows an agreement between the RNZAF and RAAF to enhance collaboration and opportunities.

Hearty “Ngāti” Susie Barns is flying high after 33 years of outstanding military service saw her win a top job with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

It is the highest-ranking role ever held by a New Zealander in the RAAF.

The East Coast-born New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Commodore told the Herald she is humbled to take on the role of Australia’s Deputy Air Commander, a position she will hold for two years.

Her appointment came into effect last week.

Son Trae Barns, Susie Barns and daughter, Bryahna Barns.

Barns, mum of son Trae, 20 and daughter Bryahna, 22, has been in the military for 33 years.

She lost her husband eight years ago to cancer but has a new Scottish-born partner Tom.

She has whakapapa to Ngāti Porou – growing up in Tokomaru Bay and Te Puia Springs.

“I have spent the last 12 months in Canberra on a defence force strategic course with 50 others,” Barns said.

“I found being Māori – there were only two Kiwis on the course – was something that made me stand apart.

Barns with her whānau. Front row: Aunty Makita Forrester, Uncle Tainui Forrester (deceased), Susie Barns, her mum Te Ataakura Forrester. Back row: Uncle Amos Forrester, Uncle James Forrester.

“The fact that I am Māori has allowed me to lean back on the values of being Māori – it is a superpower and I am very proud of my culture.

“Colleagues on the course were intrigued by some of the conversations we had. Rather than shy away from being Māori, the armed services really embraces it.

“My leadership philosophy is grounded in te ao Māori principles and the metaphorical way it can be used.

“I think about my tupuna and all the things I learned from my nannies. I have always been whānau first. I can imagine my nans' faces if they could see where I am today.”

She said the attention her appointment has generated has made her feel a bit embarrassed.

“I am not one to put myself out there,” she said “but I accept I am a role model for Māori women and women in general.”

Service runs deep in Barns’ veins: her dad was in the army and her mum was briefly in the Air Force, which is where the pair met.

Royal Australian Air Force Commodore Susie Barns.

“I joined the defence force when I turned 18 and have never looked back,” said Barns.

“I have served alongside some amazing women and I never noticed the military was male-dominated until people asked.

Barnes said she has worked hard to get where she is.

“I hope I can show young women coming through the Army, Navy or Air Force, that if I can do it, they can too.”

Barns' appointment follows the signing of an agreement between the RNZAF and the RAAF last year ensuring more opportunities for key high-level positions to be filled by each air force.

She will oversee the Australian “raise, train and sustain” function, giving her the opportunity to directly influence bringing the air forces closer together.

“I’m really humbled to be given this opportunity – it’s a significant role for the Australian Air Force,” Barns said.

The posting is for two years at Headquarters Air Command, based at the foot of the Blue Mountains in Glenbrook, west Sydney.

Joseph Los’e is an award-winning journalist and joined NZME in 2022 as Kaupapa Māori editor. Los’e was a chief reporter, news director at the Sunday News newspaper covering crime, justice and sport. He was also editor of the NZ Truth and before joining NZME worked for urban Māori organisation Whānau Waipareira.