The Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association (RNZRSA) has entered a new chapter in its proud history with the appointment of Tony Hill as National President, Malcolm Wallace as National Vice President, and Ruawhitu (Anaru) Pokaia as Kaumātua. Together, they bring deep military experience, proven leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of veterans and their whānau.
Tony Hill, MBE, JP – National President
Hailing from the small town of Waitara in Taranaki, Tony is a seasoned leader with more than 30 years of service in the New Zealand Army. Tony served as an officer with the Royal New Zealand Engineers and across his career gained experience in Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief missions, mulitnational coalition operations, logistics and human resources, with his time in the military culminating in a diplomatic posting. He has spent his career fostering teamwork, resilience, and integrity.
After leaving the Army, Tony worked internationally before returning home and establishing himself as a consultant in health and safety, governance, and adventurous activities.
Currently based in Cambridge, Tony has served as President of the Cambridge RSA, District President for Waikato, King Country, and Bay of Plenty and as an RNZRSA National Vice President.
A Justice of the Peace and Member of the Institute of Directors, Tony is dedicated to upholding the RSA’s founding values of Courage, Commitment, Comradeship, and Integrity, ensuring they guide the organisation into its next century of service.
Malcolm Wallace – National Vice President
Born in Whakatāne and raised in Tokoroa, Malcolm Wallace embodies the down-to-earth, service-minded spirit of the RSA. After working as a shepherd in Tokomaru Bay, Malcolm embarked on his Big OE, one that led him to serve in the British Army’s 1st Battalion, Queen’s Own Highlanders, with operational deployments in Belize and Northern Ireland.
Returning to New Zealand in 1983, Malcolm built a successful career in manufacturing and management, rising through the ranks thanks to his coaching and mentoring leadership style. His philosophy of “a hand up, not a handout” reflects his belief in empowerment and shared responsibility, values he continued to champion as President of the Rangiora RSA.
A passionate motorcyclist and long-time member of the Patriots Defence Force Motorcycle Club, Malcolm also proudly supports both the Canterbury and Waikato rugby teams, keeping his roots strong in community and camaraderie.
Ruawhitu (Anaru) Pokaia – Kaumātua
Ruawhitu (Anaru) Pokaia of Tainui, Ngāti Wairere, and Ngāti Maniapoto descent has been a pillar of the Māori and veteran communities in Ōtautahi (Christchurch) for more than four decades. A former soldier with the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, he served in Singapore as part of New Zealand’s regional security commitment before returning home to dedicate his life to revitalising te reo Māori and tikanga Māori.
Ruawhitu’s deep cultural knowledge and fluency in te reo have made him a respected kaumātua and pou te reo Māori me ōna tikanga - a guardian of language and tradition. He has supported thousands of Māori and non-Māori across educational, community and defence sectors, and played a guiding role during times of national crisis including the Christchurch earthquakes and 2019 Mosque attacks.
Within the New Zealand Defence Force, he has served as a Waitangi Tribunal Project Director and advisor to the Wai 2500 Military Veterans Kaupapa Inquiry, ensuring tikanga Māori is upheld in processes addressing the grievances of Māori veterans. His work with Project Te Auraki (The Return), bringing home personnel buried overseas, exemplifies his dedication to honour, remembrance, and whānau.
Together, Hill, Wallace, and Pokaia represent the past, present, and future of service, combining military discipline, community leadership, and cultural strength. Under their stewardship, the RNZRSA continues to advance its mission to support all New Zealand’s veterans of military service and their whānau, strengthen connections across generations, and ensure the organisation remains a cornerstone of New Zealand communities for years to come.
The Royal New Zealand RSA extends its sincere gratitude to Sir Wayne Shelford, who has completed his tenure as National President. Under Sir Wayne’s leadership, the RSA has continued to strengthen its connection with veterans, service personnel, and communities across the country. His steady guidance, dedication to unity, and commitment to modernising the organisation have left a lasting legacy that will continue to benefit the RSA for years to come. Sir Wayne’s authenticity and mana have inspired many, and his tireless advocacy for those who have served remains an example to all.
We also extend heartfelt thanks to Janet Castell, who has served with distinction as National Vice President, and to Miki Apiti, who has brought wisdom and cultural strength to the role of Kaumatua. Janet’s thoughtful leadership and deep commitment to the RSA family have been instrumental in guiding the organisation through a period of renewal, while Miki’s stewardship and spiritual guidance have ensured that tikanga Māori and the RSA’s shared values remain woven through all that we do. Together, their contributions have helped shape a strong foundation for the next generation of RSA leadership.
