Mark Taylor has spent more than 30 years behind the systems that prepare Royal New Zealand Navy crews for the sharp end of operations. This month, his work was formally acknowledged when he was named the New Zealand Defence Force Civilian of the Year.
Taylor’s career spans 22 years in uniform as a Combat System Specialist and a further 13 years as a civilian instructor. Over that time he has become the steady hand behind much of the Navy’s combat simulator capability, keeping crews sharp and ready for operations at sea.
The citation notes his deep technical knowledge, innovative thinking, and a knack for solving problems that would have stalled lesser operators. His work has increased simulator availability by around 30 per cent, a gain that carries real value for frigate crews working through complex training cycles.
Taylor’s connection to the sea runs back to his early years in Mangōnui, where he spent much of his childhood around the coast, diving and fishing with family.
“We were always in the water,” he says. “With that background, the Navy felt like the right path. I joined straight out of school at 17 and never really looked back.”
His Navy years included overseas deployments and operational missions in demanding areas such as the Persian Gulf. After two decades of service he moved into a civilian role in 2012, taking on a training position that allowed him to continue contributing without the strain of long absences from home.
Today, Taylor manages, operates, and maintains most of the Frigate System Upgrade simulator systems used at Devonport Naval Base. These systems are vital to the Navy’s training environment and the development of combat capability across the fleet.
Colleagues describe him as a steady, resourceful presence with an instinctive understanding of the technology and the people who rely on it. His work supports every frigate crew that cycles through the simulators, and the improvements he has delivered flow directly into operational readiness.
The citation highlights Taylor’s integrity, professionalism, and the respect he has earned across Defence and industry circles. Now 53, he has spent most of his life serving the Navy in one form or another.
“It’s been a good life,” he says. “I’ve loved every moment.”
