On The Up: Northlander Mark Taylor is Defence Force Civilian of the Year

Far North man Mark Taylor has been named the New Zealand Defence Force’s Civilian of the Year for his work with the Royal New Zealand Navy’s combat system simulation capability.

A Far North man who has been the cornerstone of the Royal New Zealand Navy’s combat system simulation capability for more than three decades has seen his work recognised by being named the NZ Defence Force Civilian of the Year.

For more than 35 years Mark Taylor has been a central part of the Navy’s combat system simulation capability, both in uniform and as a civilian.

Taylor’s combination of technical expertise, innovation, and integrity to deliver exceptional training outcomes and operational readiness, is one of the reasons why he has been named this year’s NZDF Civilian of the Year. The award recognises an exceptional civilian who has made an outstanding contribution to the NZDF, consistently demonstrating values-based performance, professionalism, and who had a positive impact on the NZDF community.

Drawing on 22 years of naval service as a Combat System Specialist and 13 years as a civilian in an instructor role for the same trade, he has saved significant resources through bold, informed decision-making, self-taught mastery and proactive problem-solving that has increased the amount of time the combat simulator is in use.

Growing up in and around the sea in Mangōnui, in the Far North of Northland, it seemed natural for him to join the Navy, which he did straight out of high school when he was 17 years old.

“We lived on a farm that had a lot of coastal land, so we were always in the water; diving, or fishing from a boat. One day I found a couple of recruiting pamphlets for the Army and Navy that my brother had left at home and with my love of the water I thought the Navy looked good to me,’’ he said.

Taylor said he never looked back from a life of service with the Navy. Overseas deployments played a significant role in his career, especially on operational missions to places like the Persian Gulf.

However, being deployed takes its toll on family life and in 2012, he transitioned to a civilian role.

“I took the opportunity to go into a training position – it’s a great place to work and meet a lot of people.”

His role means he has been responsible for the management, operation and maintenance of the majority of Frigate System Upgrade simulator systems, which are critical to the Navy’s training environment.

According to his Civilian of the Year citation, his work has directly supported the generation of combat capability and the continuous enhancement of system knowledge across the fleet.

He was described as a “resourceful and independent problem-solver”, who had repeatedly delivered cost-effective solutions by diagnosing and resolving complex technical issues.

Taylor’s efforts have resulted in a 30% increase in system effectiveness time, which resulted in substantial financial and operational benefits.

“His unwavering integrity, professionalism and commitment to excellence have earned him the trust and respect of colleagues, stakeholders and industry peers,” the citation said.

Taylor, now aged 53, said most of his life had been dedicated to the Navy at Devonport Naval Base.

“I’ve loved every moment.”