The museum is part-funded by the RNZAF and part by a charitable trust. The Museum Trust Board, chaired by Air Marshal Kevin Short (retired), has governance responsibility for the museum. The board decides policy, sets budgets and makes commercial decisions regarding the public aspects of the museum, while the RNZAF funds facilities management and infrastructure and utilities costs.
The Trust Board employs the Business Development Officer, retail and events staff and individuals within other teams employed for special fixed term projects. The remainder of the staff employed at the museum work for the RNZAF, either in uniform or as civilians.
Air Force Museum of New Zealand Trustees
Kevin Short, CNZM AO
Kevin Short (Air Marshal Rtd) is a Senior Manager for Lockheed Martin, having been appointed to the position in November 2024. In this capacity he is responsible for growing Lockheed Martin’s business in New Zealand. Previously, Kevin served more than 48 years in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, holding senior positions in the New Zealand Defence Force including project, plans and operational appointments. He served as Chief of Defence Force from July 2018 to June 2024.
Peter Townsend
Peter Townsend CNZM has been a member of the Trust Board since 2006. He holds a range of Governance positions including being a Board member of Warbirds over Wanaka. Peter was CEO of the Canterbury Employers” Chamber of Commerce (now Business Canterbury) for 21 years.
Ian Mower
Ian’s professional career spanned 40 years with the Royal New Zealand Air Force, initially as an Engineering Officer but lately as a Strategic Leader, retiring as the Deputy Chief of the Air Force in 2023. Since leaving military service Ian has maintained an association with the aerospace sector, with his current role as the New Zealand Strategic Relationship Manager for Airbus Australia / Pacific.
Craig Walker
Craig Walker has spent more than 50 years in the building relocation and heavy transport industry, founding Craig Walker Building Removals Limited in 1987 and leading the company until it was sold to family interests in 2025. He has held senior governance roles within the sector, including serving on the Board of the New Zealand Heavy Haulage Association from 1998 to 2012 and as its Chairman from 2001 to 2003.
Craig was recognised for his contribution to the industry with the Gus Breen Award for outstanding achievement in 2004 and was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in 2014. He has a long association with the Royal New Zealand Air Force, having been awarded an honorary commission in 2008 and currently holds the rank of Group Captain, with his term extending to 2028.
Craig is Patron and Deputy Chair of 30 Squadron Air Training Corps and was inducted into the Massey High School Alumni Hall of Fame in 2017. His lifelong connection to the RNZAF and strong governance and business experience bring valuable perspective to the Trust Board.
Eloise Wallace
Eloise Wallace sits on the board as a museum sector expert. She has over 20 years’ experience in the museum sector both in New Zealand and the UK, including a period at the Imperial War Museum in London. Eloise is Director Te Unua Museum of Southland, currently leading a major capital project to deliver a new museum for Southland; and has been a board member of Museums Aotearoa, New Zealand’s national advocacy body for museums and galleries for five years, including 4 years as Co-Chair.
Mark Peters
Mark Peters is the local Hornby Ward City Councillor on the Christchurch City Council and has been appointed from the CCC as their representative on our Trust Board. Mark is an avid and keen supporter of the Air Force Museum and loves hosting it in his Ward. Mark has been instrumental in helping us secure support from the CCC with the first significant $5 million grant being approved through the Councils Long Term Plan 2024-34, contingent on the remainder of the funds being secured to build this new Aircraft Hall to host the Orion and Hercules!
David Morgan
Capt David Morgan is the Chief Pilot at Air New Zealand, bringing a 40-year career built on frontline airline flying and executive leadership that bridges day-to-day operations with long-term safety and performance across the Air New Zealand Group. His experience across the wider aviation industry—internationally and within New Zealand—has shaped a practical, systems-based approach to safety and risk management, balancing strong compliance with a culture of learning and continuous improvement. In his current role, he provides operational leadership for flight crew with a strong focus on mentoring, developing capability, and supporting the next generation of aviation leaders.
Dick Newlands
Dick Newlands served 38 years as a pilot in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, retiring in 2010 after a distinguished career that included a period as Deputy Chief of the Air Force. Since 2011, he has been a Trustee on the Museum Board, bringing extensive operational and leadership experience from his military career. His long-standing commitment to the RNZAF and to preserving New Zealand’s aviation heritage provides valuable insight and continuity to the Trust Board.
Senior Leadership Team
Brett Marshall
Director
Brett Marshall joined the Air Force Museum of New Zealand as Executive Officer in 2017 and was appointed Museum Director in 2018.
He joined the RNZAF as a cadet in 1986 and trained as a pilot at Wigram before going onto a career flying Friendship, Andover and Hercules aircraft on deployments around the world.
He retired with the rank of Wing Commander and is still on the RNZAF’s active reserve.
Brett is responsible for all museum operations and is employed by the New Zealand Defence Force.
Darren Hammond
Collections Manager
Darren first joined the museum in 2006 and was appointed Collections Manager in 2019.
He began his museum career in 1986 as an apprentice technician at the RAF Museum Hendon, London, and has accumulated more than 40 years’ experience in military and technology museums in the United Kingdom and New Zealand.
Darren oversees the team who care for the museum’s collection of more than 1 million objects. He is also responsible for the Peter Adamson Conservation Centre team who carry out the conservation and maintenance of the aircraft and large objects in the collection.
His role is funded by the New Zealand Defence Force.
Rob Liddell
Business Development Manager
Rob joined the museum in 2021 after a career in marketing. He has worked for WestJet Airlines in Canada, TVNZ, Christchurch City Council and various marketing roles with brands like GoPro.
He oversees the museum’s Welcome Desk team and all commercial activities, including the museum store and venue hire.
Rob is employed by the Museum Trust Board.
David King
Public Engagement Manager
David joined the museum in 2023 after a 30-year career in journalism and corporate affairs roles in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. He has previously worked for The Scotsman, The Press, Fairfax and Ryman Healthcare.
David is responsible for the communications, marketing, visitor experience, public programmes, education and exhibitions activities at the museum.
He is a New Zealand Defence Force Employee.
Robyn Medlicott
Capital Campaign Manager
Robyn Medlicott is an experienced capital campaign leader with a proven track record in delivering high-profile fundraising and community engagement initiatives. She brings expertise in leading capital campaigns, developing strategic partnerships, and connecting communities with projects that make a lasting impact. At the Air Force Museum of New Zealand, Robyn is leading the campaign to create permanent homes for two iconic Kiwi aircraft, the C-130 Hercules and the P-3 Orion, ensuring their stories are preserved and shared for generations to come.
When she’s not working, Robyn enjoys golfing and exploring New Zealand’s great outdoors, finding inspiration in the landscapes and stories that make NZ so special.
Squadron Leader, Carey Manson
Executive Officer
Carey is a serving member of the RNZAF and joined the Air Force Museum of New Zealand as Executive Officer in January 2026.
He joined the RNZAF as an airman cadet in 1972 and trained as an administration clerk at Wigram. In 1976 he began a flying career as an Air Loadmaster flying on Andover and Hercules aircraft on deployments around the world.
He commissioned as an Air Loadmaster in 1982 and completed five seasons at Operation Deep Freeze based at Harewood supporting flights to and from Antarctica before returning to flying duties and cross training onto the Boeing 727 and C130-H aircraft.
Carey is responsible for supporting all museum operations and is employed by the New Zealand Defence Force.
