Chief of Navy (CN) commands the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) and is responsible to the Chief of Defence Force (CDF) for raising, training and sustaining those forces necessary to meet agreed government outputs.

The CN acts as principal advisor to the CDF on Navy matters, and is the most senior appointment in the RNZN.

The rank associated with the position is rear admiral, and CNs are generally appointed on a three-year term.

A number of the officers who became CNS served as Commodore, Auckland (later named Maritime Component Commander) before taking the helm of the Navy.

[3] The following list chronologically records those who have held the post of Chief of Navy or its preceding positions, with rank and honours as at the completion of the individual's term.