Training Ship Achilles - Navy Cadets

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25/03/2026

Swim test! 🏊‍♀️🌊

Last week at TS ACHILLES, our cadets took on the annual swim test, a key aspect in building confidence and safety on the water.

Split into groups and led by JNCOs, cadets swam out to demonstrate essential sea survival techniques, including the self-help position, huddling, and group swimming techniques.

They then faced one of the most challenging parts: entering the air pocket of an upturned crown. A daunting task for many, but a vital skill that could make all the difference in a real capsize situation.

To finish, cadets completed a 50m swim back to the wharf before heading back to the unit to warm up with a well-earned hot chocolate.

Bravo Zulu to all cadets who stepped up and successfully completed the test! 💪

14/03/2026

Ships Company Seamanship Race!

Last Thursday, TS ACHILLES divided into our two divisions, Ajax and Exeter, and competed in a relay Seamanship Race that required an on water crew swap using the kayaks.

Cadets utilised their seamanship skills such as pulling, rigging, sailing and anchoring in order to get their whole team through the course.

Bravo Zulu to Ajax who took out the competition by a hair! 🎉

17/02/2026

Thinking about joining Navy Cadets?

Come along to our Open Day and experience TS ACHILLES in action! Families and prospective recruits are invited to come down to the beach, meet our team, and get a snapshot of the exciting opportunities we offer — from sailing and kayaking to leadership and teamwork development.

📍 Location: Ōkahu Bay Beach
📅 Date: Saturday 21 February 2026
⏰ Open Day: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM

New recruits are welcome to join in on some on-water activities during the session if they would like. (conditions and permissions permitting).

This is a great chance to come down ask some questions, and see firsthand what cadets is all about!

06/01/2026

Final Parade and Prizegiving 2025 🏆

At the conclusion of last year, TS ACHILLES held our annual Final Parade and Prizegiving, marking the end of the training year. We were honoured to be joined by our Reviewing Officer, Lieutenant Commander Sarah Campbell, RNZN, Officer Commanding Youth Development Unit North, as well as the Commandant of the New Zealand Cadet Forces, Wing Commander Bruce Creedy, RNZAF.

The evening also included a Change of Command Ceremony, with the role of Warrant Officer of the Unit formally handed over from WOCDT Oliver Moors to WOCDT Alex Vowles. We thank WOCDT Moors for his service in the role and congratulate him on his promotion to Officer Cadet.

We were proud to see LT Jon Bones awarded his Cadet Forces Medal by the Commandant, recognising his dedicated service to the Cadet Forces.

The parade night was also a significant moment as we farewelled CPOCDT Foley on his final parade night with TS ACHILLES. We thank him for his outstanding commitment and contribution to the unit and wish him all the very best for the future.

All cadets performed exceptionally well on parade, and we extend our congratulations to all prize winners for their hard work and achievements throughout the year. An outstanding effort by all, Bravo Zulu! 🎉

05/01/2026

Whanganui River Journey! 🛶

Before 2025 closed out, cadets from TS ACHILLES took on the Whanganui River once again, paddling 88km from Whakahoro to Pipiriki, taking on one of New Zealand’s Great Walks.

Over the course of three days and two nights, they faced gnarly rapids, stayed in DOC huts, and soaked in the stunning scenery. On the second day, they gave their arms a rest and hiked to the Bridge to Nowhere.

A huge thank you to Taumarunui Canoe Hire and Jet Boat Tours for kitting us out and making sure the journey went smoothly!

19/11/2025

Dare to take the Challenge with TS ACHILLES Navy Cadets — RECRUITING NOW FOR 2026

Open to youth aged 13 -15 or from school year 9

⚓ Participate in leadership and development camps over school holidays
⚓ Experience the Royal New Zealand Navy up close, with ship visits and activities
⚓ Enhance your teamwork and leadership skills with our training programme
⚓ Develop marksmanship skills with rifle shooting
⚓ Complete the Duke of Edinburgh award programme up to Gold level
⚓ Learn to sail and race in our competitive sailing regattas in various classes

All through the military framework of the NZ Cadet Forces.

Visit us on our open night;
When: Thursday 27th November
Time: 1900-2000
Where: 19 Tāmaki Drive, Ōkahu Bay.

Parents welcome. Come in casual clothes, ready for some fun!

More information is available at our website: www.achilles.org.nz

14/11/2025

Sailing evenings in Okahu Bay ⛵️

With the evenings getting longer, TS ACHILLES has managed to get out on the water on a Thursday parade night for the last few weeks.

Last Thursday we even managed to get the whole ships company through capsize drills!

13/09/2025

RANGE SHOOT 13-09-25 🎯

This Saturday was the Basic cadets first experience on the range after almost a full term of rifle safety and handling lessons in unit.

The cadets first all passed their DFTT’s then cycled through three details, putting into practice their range procedures and shooting techniques such as positioning and breathing.

Our Shooting Coaches also got to hone in their skills by analysing targets, giving feedback and supporting safe practices.

Top scorers🏆:

Top Basic Cadet score: OCDT Darroch
Highest score on a single detail: CPOCDT Vowles
Highest overall score: A/LCDT Ferris

Bravo Zulu to all! 🎉

27/05/2025

Interdivisional Day 2025 ✅

Last weekend, TS ACHILLES held our annual Interdivisional Day, a long-standing tradition led by our Warrant Officer.
This year, Divisions Exeter and Ajax faced off in an epic “SAS selection” challenge, testing their skills through everything from NCEA maths and raft building to skits, push-ups, rigging, army crawls, and even cake baking.

After a well-earned BBQ lunch, the day wrapped up with our legendary MasterChef competition - and what a showcase it was! From salmon dishes to parfaits, immaculate table service, and live music from our talented cadets, the evening was a true celebration of everything TS ACHILLES represents.

Bravo Zulu to all cadets and staff — your effort, energy, and talent were nothing short of outstanding. We’re already looking forward to what you bring next year!

26/05/2025

What a weekend on the water! 🌊

We held our very first basic sailing camp for our newest cadets — and for many, it was their first time ever sailing!

After arriving Friday night, cadets kicked off the weekend with some theory and rigging lessons and then a well-earned dinner of homemade pizza. 🍕

Saturday morning brought light winds, but plenty of learning — from tacking and gybing to points of sail and anchoring. In the afternoon the wind picked up, they learnt to sail a course, had their first race, and wrapped up with capsize drills!

A huge thank you to TS Leander for lending us a Crown — your support meant every cadet got and rto get out on the water! 👏

04/05/2025

Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou. 🇳🇿🇦🇺
We will remember them.

TS ACHILLES commemorated Anzac Day for 2025 by participating in three services, Dawn Service at the Auckland War Memorial Musuem, Civic Service at the Ōrākei RSA and cenataph at St Heliers Civic Service.

It was a privilege to be involved in all three services. Bravo Zulu to all the cadets for your dedication and excellent turn out.

15/03/2025

Swim test! 🌊

Last Thursday we were joined by Hibiscus Coast and Bays Sea Cadets for our Annual Swim Test.

TS ACHILLES swim test consists of a 25m swim, demonstration of sea survival techniques such as the self help position and group huddle, and then going beneath an upturned crown before swimming back.

The cadets ended their swim test with a manu competition off the wharf and warm milo’s back at the unit.

With 33 passes in the books, TS ACHILLES is now ready for a year of water activities!

Address

19 Tamaki Drive
Auckland
1071

Website

http://www.navycadets.org.nz/

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