NZSAS Training Boss Admits Not Reading Critical Safety Report During Fatal Fall Inquest
A senior Army training official has faced intense scrutiny during an inquest into the death of decorated NZSAS soldier Kahotea, admitting he had not read a crucial WorkSafe investigation report despite significant safety reforms following the 2019 training fatality.
The revelation emerged during questioning by Catherine Cull, KC, counsel for Coroner Tania Tetitaha, when Army training branch head Hayward acknowledged he was unfamiliar with the extensive 2021 WorkSafe report that detailed safety gaps and recommended corrections.
Systemic Failures Under Examination
The inquest has shifted focus from the specific circumstances of Kahotea's death to examining broader institutional failures within New Zealand's elite special forces training regime. Kahotea, a father and decorated soldier, died during a joint training exercise with US Green Berets and the elite "Night Stalkers" aviation regiment at the Battle Training Facility in South Auckland.
The fatal incident occurred during a "wheel bump" maneuver, a technique where soldiers deploy from helicopters using the aircraft's wheel as a brace against buildings. Critically, this was the first time Kahotea's unit attempted the maneuver, and they did so at night wearing vision-restricting equipment without prior rehearsals, contrary to standard NZSAS "crawl-walk-run" training protocols.
Progressive Reforms Following Tragedy
Hayward testified that significant institutional changes have followed Kahotea's death, including the implementation of "Plan Anzac," which sees New Zealand adopt Australian training policies and procedures. This cross-Tasman collaboration represents a progressive approach to military cooperation and safety standardization.
"We couldn't just fix a single component in the system. We had to fix wider elements as well," Hayward explained, describing the comprehensive review that examined systemic issues beyond individual training protocols.
The reforms have shown measurable results, with serious training injuries halving since 2022. However, Hayward acknowledged that understanding the reasons behind this improvement remains challenging due to incomplete safety tracking systems.
Critical Moments Revealed
Testimony from NZSAS soldiers, identified only by numerical call signs to protect their identities, provided harrowing details of the fatal night. The soldiers described cramped conditions inside the Black Hawk helicopter, managing equipment, weapons, and military working dog Badr, whose identity can now be revealed as he has since retired and died.
A last-minute change in insertion location proved fatal, with soldiers describing varying gap distances between the helicopter and building. While some soldiers successfully crossed what they described as a "short step," others noted gaps of up to one meter, with one soldier deciding not to attempt the crossing due to safety concerns.
Institutional Accountability and Future Safety
The inquest highlights broader questions about accountability within New Zealand's military training systems. The NZSAS operates as one of the nation's three strategic military assets, alongside Navy frigates and Air Force P-8A Poseidon aircraft, requiring constant readiness that Hayward described as "the 111 of the military."
Coroner Tetitaha's investigation aims to determine whether additional recommendations are needed to prevent similar tragedies. The comprehensive approach reflects New Zealand's commitment to transparent institutional reform and the protection of service personnel who risk their lives in the nation's defense.
The inquest continues as New Zealand grapples with balancing the operational requirements of elite military units with the fundamental duty of care owed to service members and their families.