Navy Commander Bronwyn Heslop faces trial through the military justice system over her conduct during an operation last year, it can be revealed.
Stuff reported last week that Heslop, Commander of the HMNZS Canterbury, was the subject of “administrative action” after concerns were raised about her conduct.
The nature of the action was not provided by the New Zealand Defence Force in a statement late last week, but it said options ranged from counselling to warnings and censures.
The NZDF said the “command investigation” was carried out by a Maritime Component Commander appointed as an NZDF investigating officer in September.
But it failed to mention that there was another, separate investigation carried out by the Military Police.
After Stuff received information about this second inquiry, the NZDF confirmed in a statement that the Military Police had conducted a disciplinary investigation into “an allegation from 2023” and had recommended charges.
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“The determination of these charges is a matter for the military justice system and this process will occur in 2025 through a summary trial,” a spokesperson said.
The NZDF refused to release information about the nature of the charges for privacy reasons. It would not comment further.
Heslop’s lawyer, Matthew Hague, said in a statement that she had not yet been charged “and will need to consider any charges that may be made in the future”.
“Commander Heslop denies the allegations and is looking forward to continuing with her duties after the holiday leave period.”
It’s understood the charges recommended by the Military Police relate to an incident when Heslop was overseas on an operation.
Commander Martin Walker has had interim command of the HMNZS Canterbury.
At no point was Heslop removed from command of the Canterbury.
The NZDF said in a statement last week that it had expressed its gratitude to those who shared information with the investigation and had “encouraged them to do so again should they find themselves in similar situations in their careers”.
Heslop joined the Navy 35 years ago, working through the ranks. She specialised in hydrography, navigation and meteorology, and in 1998 became the first female officer in charge of a vessel, HMNZS Moa.aa
The NZDF said last week that Heslop, who was off work during the inquiries, will return to duties in January, until the next scheduled change of command of the Canterbury in mid-2025.
