Commodore Brendon Oakley

Captain Brendon Oakley commenced his current role as the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence (DCDI) in August 2022. This posting followed three years as the NZDF Director of Strategic Joint Communications.

Captain Oakley joined the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) from his hometown of Nelson in 1993. As a Weapon Engineer his first roles were engineering and technology focused, following initial tertiary study and sea postings.

In 2001 Captain Oakley deployed to the Multi-National Force and Observers (MFO) peacekeeping operation in the Sinai. He returned to the Middle East for 12-months in 2010 with the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO). On return to New Zealand Captain Oakley was the Military Assistant to the Vice Chief of Defence Force, before acting as the Commanding Officer HMNZS Wakefield.

Posting to Singapore in 2013 Captain Oakley was the Commanding Officer of the New Zealand Defence Support Unit (NZDSU) South East Asia (SEA), and he also acted as the Assistant Defence Adviser. Returning to Headquarters NZDF in 2016, Captain Oakley was the Director of Navy Strategy and he led the Office of Strategy Management (OSM). Following these postings he was awarded the Defence Meritorious Service Medal (DMSM).

RNZN engineering roles have included Director of Naval Engineering and various deputy director positions. In an earlier engineering post Captain Oakley was awarded a Chief of Navy commendation for advancing NZDF science and technology.

Captain Oakley is a graduate of the Singapore Command and Staff College (2007) and the United States Naval War College (2019). He holds a Master of Science (Engineering and Management) and a Master of Business Administration. Accredited as a chartered engineer he holds further university qualifications in information systems, education and business studies.

Captain Oakley is married to Lisa, and they have three teenage children. He enjoys spending time with family and keeping fit, and as a former rugby player he continues to coach and mentor junior and senior teams.