David Roderick - Service Before Self

Commander David Roderick (2002) returns to Saint Kentigern this year for the Anzac service with Hamilton House, laying a wreath on behalf of the New Zealand Defence Force after more than two decades in the Navy. It is a moment that connects past and present, bringing him full circle to the place where much of his direction first took shape.

During his seven years at the College, David reflects on developing a strong work ethic and forming friendships that have stood the test of time. It was also here that an early interest in aviation began to take shape. He recalls a helicopter ride during a family holiday in Fiji as a “lifechanging” moment that instilled an insatiable desire to pursue a career in the air.

That path, however, was not without its setbacks. An initial attempt to join the Air Force was unsuccessful, a bump in the road that might have deterred many. Instead, David recalibrated, undertaking aviation training before successfully applying to the Royal New Zealand Navy. What began as an alternative route soon revealed itself as a natural fit.

Over 22 years in the Navy, David has undertaken every role within Naval Aviation. His experience spans deployments as a co-pilot in Timor Leste, anti-piracy operations in the Horn of Africa, and instructing military pilots in the United Kingdom, as well as fulfilling a childhood pipe dream of flying the Huey (Bell UH-1 Iroquois), made iconic in Vietnam War films. The vast array of opportunity also came with great responsibility. Particularly in his mid-twenties, he recalls flying solo and being entrusted with aircraft and crew in demanding conditions – a duty few are afforded.

His most recent milestone saw him appointed Commanding Officer of No. 6 Squadron, a role he describes as the culmination of “thousands of hours of work, both in and out of the cockpit.” It is here that his understanding of leadership, and service within it, has evolved most significantly.

“Earlier in my career, I thought a great leader had to be the most competent in the room,” he reflects. “While that’s true to an extent, technical competency will only get you so far.” Stepping back into the squadron after time away from flying, he recognised that his role was no longer aiming to be the best pilot, but enabling others to be. “People who I helped train are now fulfilling those roles… which frees me up to concentrate on enabling them to do their very best each day.”

This philosophy is grounded in a deeper understanding of service. “Putting service before self is something you have to be comfortable doing,” he says. In practice, this means creating an environment where people feel seen and supported.

Looking back, David credits the values instilled at Saint Kentigern as foundational. These align closely with those of the New Zealand Defence Force, where courage, commitment, comradeship, and integrity are essential to daily life. It is perhaps this

continuity that has made the NZDF feel, in his words, “like home for so long.” In more ways than he bargained for, school prepared him for a life in uniform.

His advice to students reflects the lessons shaped through those experiences. Having navigated setbacks early in his career, he acknowledges the pressure of trying to get everything right. In his eyes, “perfectionism is not helpful” and his most valuable growth moments have come through failure.

Central to this is a broader mindset that runs through his career, recognising he is part of something bigger than himself. Sacrificing time, contributing to his team, and giving back are all outworkings of this.

For Commander Roderick, these learnings have defined a life of service, in service, and continue to shape the way he leads today.