First Change of Command For GIO
On 14 December 2009, the Geospatial Intelligence Organisation (GIO) had its first change of command ceremony since being established under the current name and operational direction.
GIO Command handover
Commander David Crossman took command of the unit with his acceptance of the new GIO Command Symbol, a Tokotoko (walking stick) named Tiaho-pae-rangi—the guiding light that shines on the horizon. The Tokotoko is predominantly used by the paramount chiefs or those that have been chosen to represent the Iwi. CDR Crossman is a Navy Hydrographer.
Lieutenant Colonel Bruce Crisp had been the Commanding Officer of the unit, formerly known as the Joint Geospatial Support Facility. Under his command the unit evolved into the GIO and was responsible for the unit’s change of focus from a commercially focused direction to support for military activities, employing a wide range of skilled personnel in the geospatial and intelligence related disciplines.
CDR Crossman is looking forward to taking GIO to the next level in its new direction.
Tokotoko carvings
The carvings on the Tokotoko are as follows:
- Handle—represents the base or platform to fix the directional tool such as a compass.
- Upper-most carving—represent Rangi and Papa (sky father and earth mother) of where wisdom and knowledge extends from.
- The three figure heads represent the three Services:
- Bottom head—Royal New Zealand Navy, (god of the sea).
- Middle head—New Zealand Army, Tumatauenga (god of war)
- Upper head—Royal New Zealand Air Force, Tawhirimatea (god of the elements)
According to Maori mythology, the three figure heads will bestow upon the person at hand and the organisation, mana, leadership, knowledge; and skill in the art of weaponry, direction, and well-being.