COL Paul Hayward
Colonel Hayward is from New Zealand. He joined the New Zealand Army in 1995 and was commissioned as an Engineer Officer in 1998. He has completed key career courses with the New Zealand and Australian armies. He graduated from the Singapore Armed Forces Command and Staff College in 2010 and the United States Army War College in 2023.
Before War College, he was the Executive Officer to the Land Component Commander in HQ Joint Forces New Zealand from 2020-2022. Previous O-5 level non-operational staff assignments include postings as Director of Strategic Plans for the New Zealand Defence Force 2018-2019, Directing Staff at the Australian Command and Staff College 2017-2018, and Director of Training and Commitments (Army) 2012-2013.
His operational staff assignments include tours as Director of Future Operations (CJ35) for Operation Resolute Support (Afghanistan) in 2020, Deputy Chief of Staff Operations-Plans for the Multi-National Force and Observers in Sinai 2013-2014, and the Chief J5 (Plans) for the United Nations Mission in Sudan and South Sudan. In 2001 he was the Engineer Officer for the NZ Battalion deployed with the UN Transitional Administration mission in Timor Leste. Colonel Hayward also has experience planning and leading HADR missions in the South Pacific.
His command assignments include Commanding Officer of the 2nd Engineer Regiment 2015-2016, Officer Commanding of 25 Engineer Support Squadron 2008-2009, Chief Instructor of the School of Military Engineering (NZ) in 2007, and Officer Commanding of the Vanuatu Mobile Force Engineers from 2005-2006.
Colonel Hayward holds a Master of International Security, Post-Graduate Diploma in Strategic Studies, and a Bachelor of Social Science from the Massey University of New Zealand. He holds a Master of Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College. His awards and decorations include the US Meritorious Service Medal.
COL Hayward is married and has 1 child.