The first Chief Executive of Firearms Safety and Education New Zealand is Dr Kelvin Watson. He began on 14 September 2026.
Dr Watson came from the Ministry of Justice, where he was Deputy Secretary (Corporate Services) with responsibility for a range of nationwide services including finance, property, digital and IT services, HR and communications.
Dr Watson has also been a senior leader at Statistics New Zealand, Capital and Coast District Health Board, New Zealand Post, and the Open Polytechnic.
He played a significant leadership role during New Zealand’s response to the COVID-19. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Watson led in complex public-sector environments where legislation, statutory responsibilities, and public accountability issues came to the fore.
Dr Watson also brings a strong digital and future focus. He has previously led significant data, technology and digital functions and has a track record of looking for new ways technology can improve public services.
