John Hamilton

John has a long and distinguished career in aviation, his experience founded in his 35-years with the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). Enlisting in 1971, John initially qualified as a helicopter pilot before later becoming a flying instructor. He held command and leadership appointments at all levels of the RNZAF culminating with a four-year period from 2002-2006 as the Chief of Air Force at the two star level in the rank of Air Vice-Marshal where he led the planning for the New Zealand deployment to East Timor. 

For his service to the Queen as equerry John has received the Royal Victorian Order (RVO); was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2001 for his leadership in East Timor, and in 2006 he was promoted to Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in recognition of his leadership as Chief of Air Force. 

He followed this exciting and rewarding period with eight years in risk and emergency management as the Director of the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management. During this time he was appointed as the National Controller in Christchurch by the government and was responsible for the control and co-ordination of the response to the earthquake crisis that struck the city in 2010 and 2011. Now John brings this extensive experience to Ocean Flyer.