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New Zealand Cadet Forces

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New Zealand Cadet Forces

Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from New Zealand Cadet Forces, HQ New Zealand Cadet Forces Trentham Military Camp, Upper Hutt.

The official page of the New Zealand Cadet Forces (NZCF) a voluntary, uniformed organisation which provides military-style leadership, personal development opportunities and adventure based training to youth aged between 13 and 19 years old. The New Zealand Cadet Forces is a voluntary, military themed, nationally coordinated youth organisation, offering personal development opportunities

and adventure based training to youth aged between 13 and 19 years of age. We aim to develop and enable self-disciplined, confident, and responsible young New Zealanders, in order to prepare New Zealand's successful leaders of tomorrow. Check out the pages for each of our NZCF Areas:
https://www.facebook.com/cadetforcesnorth
https://www.facebook.com/cadetforcescentral
https://www.facebook.com/southerncadets

Any content that you wish to be considered for posting should be emailed to [email protected]

24/08/2026

🌍✈️ IACE 2026 – Connecting Air Cadets Around the World

The International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) is about much more than aviation. It is about bringing young people from different countries together, creating friendships, developing leadership, and experiencing new cultures through a shared passion for aviation.

In 2026, New Zealand Air Cadets had the opportunity to travel across the world, with cadets taking part in exchanges in the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

At the same time, New Zealand welcomed international cadets from different countries, giving them the opportunity to experience our own aviation community, culture, landscapes, and Kiwi hospitality.

Each exchange offered something different — from aviation experiences and visits to military and aviation facilities, to museums, cultural landmarks, local communities and opportunities to meet people working across the aviation sector.

But perhaps the most important part of IACE is what happens between all those activities.

Cadets who may arrive as strangers from opposite sides of the world spend days travelling, learning, sharing meals, exchanging stories and discovering how much they have in common. By the end of the exchange, international friendships have been formed that can continue long after everyone returns home.

Our New Zealand cadets represented their country with professionalism, maturity, enthusiasm and respect, acting as wonderful ambassadors for both New Zealand and the Air Cadet community.

And it was equally special to welcome international cadets to New Zealand and give them the chance to experience our country and build friendships with our own cadets.

A huge thank you to the volunteers, host families, aviation organisations, military personnel, organisers and everyone behind the scenes who makes these exchanges possible.

IACE is a reminder that aviation can connect much more than countries — it connects people. ✈️🌏

20/08/2026

Over the Term Two school holidays, New Zealand Cadet Corps units from across the three areas came together to battle it out in the annual NZCC Skill at Arms Area Competitions!

Across two action-packed days, cadets were put to the test across a range of challenging events, including navigation theory and practical, drill, equipment carries, observation lanes and galleries, and plenty more.

This year, the Central Area Competition had an exciting addition, with a team of Australian Army Cadets joining the competition as part of the Army Cadet Exchange. The team was made up of one Army Cadet from each Australian state, meaning this was the first time the nine cadets had worked together as a team. They put in an impressive performance to finish second overall. Congratulations!

After two days of hard-fought competition, there can only be one winner from each area. Congratulations to:
Waitākere Cadet Unit — Northern Area Winners
City of Upper Hutt Cadet Unit — Central Area Winners
Nelson Cadet Unit — Southern Area Winners

A huge congratulations to everyone who competed.

We look forward to seeing the three winners compete for the National title at the end of the year.

13/08/2026

🎯 Leadership isn’t just about getting the job done — it’s about developing the people around you.

That was one of the key messages for senior cadets taking part in the pilot Cadet Advanced Leadership Module (CALM).

CALM introduces senior cadets to advanced leadership principles and critical thinking, with a strong focus on servant leadership, encouraging leaders to understand their people, build trust, show empathy and create an environment where others can succeed.

Through facilitated discussions, practical activities and reflection, cadets explored concepts including Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, functional versus servant leadership, empathy, team development and perhaps most importantly, “My Why” understanding the purpose behind their leadership and service.

For CDTW/O S Scahill of No. 3 SQN, that opportunity to reflect was a highlight: “Often at my unit, I have a lot on my plate which can be overwhelming. Sometimes I question what I am doing and why I’m still doing it. The ‘My Why’ lesson showed me the importance of remembering why I have stuck it out all these years.”

A/CDTW/O M McKeever of No. 23 SQN found the focus on empathy gave them a different perspective on leadership: “Maslow’s Hierarchy and empathy stood out to me because it was new and gave me a better insight into cadet needs and empathy to help me learn patience in servant leadership.”

The module also gave senior cadets an opportunity to connect with others facing similar leadership challenges across different units.

CDTW/O A Zijlstra-Schmidt of No. 7 SQN described CALM as a valuable next step after JNCO and SNCO training: “It’s cool meeting other SNCOs and building connections with people from other units, and to bounce ideas off each other.”

For CDTF/S O Galloway of No. 1 SQN, the weekend reinforced a simple but powerful idea: “Leadership is less about developing ourselves and getting the task done, but it is about developing others… My one key takeaway is that leadership is about gaining trust and serving the people below you.”

And the advice for senior cadets considering the next CALM?

CDTWO2 V Apanui of Ōpōtiki College Cadet Unit summed it up in two words: “Do it.”

CALM is about developing senior cadets who don’t just know how to lead a task but understand their people, their purpose, and the responsibility that comes with leadership.

Lead with integrity. Lead with purpose. Lead by serving others.

09/08/2026

From 6–10 July 2026, 15 Sea Cadets and one New Zealand Cadet Corps cadet took part in the annual Sea Immersion Activity, gaining valuable insight into the many careers and opportunities available within the Royal New Zealand Navy.

Throughout the week, cadets met Navy personnel, explored specialist trades including Naval Police, Hospitality, Marine Engineering, and Bridge Operations, and visited key training facilities such as 6 Squadron, the Trade Training School, and the Sea Safety Training School.

Hands-on activities, including firefighting and emergency response training, gave participants practical experience while building confidence and teamwork. Meeting senior Navy leaders and hearing about their careers was another memorable part of the programme.

The activity provided cadets with a broader understanding of Navy life, valuable maritime skills, and a closer look at the many career pathways available within the RNZN.

06/08/2026

Seventeen Air Training Corps cadets from across New Zealand recently spent an unforgettable week immersed in life at RNZAF Base Ohakea as part of the 2026 Air Immersion Activity.

Living on base, sleeping in the barracks, eating at the mess, and working alongside RNZAF personnel, cadets gained a firsthand look at the people and trades that keep the Royal New Zealand Air Force operating.

Throughout the week they explored a wide range of specialist roles, including Armourers, Firefighters, Air Warfare Specialists, Avionics Technicians, Ground Support Equipment Technicians, and Helicopter Loadmasters. From handling service weapons and fighting simulated fires to soldering circuit boards, changing truck tyres, practising helicopter hoist rescues in a simulator, A109 and NH90 helicopters, every day offered new hands-on experiences.

Cadets also learned about Air Force careers, the enlistment process, recruit training, and the fitness standards required to serve, giving them valuable insight into future opportunities within the NZDF.

A huge thank you to the course staff, instructors, and RNZAF personnel whose enthusiasm and professionalism made this an inspiring and memorable experience for everyone involved.

02/08/2026

📊 After an outstanding response to the NZCF Hoodie Design Competition, we're excited to announce the winning design!

👏 A huge congratulations to SSGT Sabine Mignault from Waitakere Cadet Unit whose creative concept resonated strongly with the NZCF community and received the highest level of support in the public vote.

We'd also like to thank every NZCF member who took the time to submit a design. The standard of all 38 entries was exceptional, with concepts ranging from hand-drawn sketches through to designs developed using modern digital tools, including AI-assisted artwork.

As outlined in the competition terms and conditions, the winning concept will now move into the design development phase. During this process, it will be refined to ensure it is suitable for production, meets manufacturing requirements, incorporates iwi consultation, and best represents the New Zealand Cadet Forces. This may involve adjustments to colours, artwork, layout, and other design elements while preserving the original vision and intent of the winning design.

We look forward to unveiling the final production version later this year, when the hoodie will become available through the NZCF Merchandise Shop.

Congratulations once again to our winner, and thank you to everyone who helped make this competition such a success. We can't wait to see NZCF personnel wearing the finished hoodie with pride.

01/08/2026

ANZUK26 brought together Army Cadets from New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom for an unforgettable international exchange. Ten New Zealand Cadet Corps cadets and three officers were selected to represent New Zealand, embarking on the opportunity of a lifetime.

During the three-week exchange, participants experienced an incredible program that immersed them in the history, traditions, and culture of the United Kingdom. Highlights included visits to the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the National Army Museum, and the honour of taking part in a private wreath-laying ceremony at Westminster Abbey, alongside many other memorable experiences.

Marking the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, the exchange participants spent four days in France and Belgium, where they visited a number of sites including the battlefield, Craters of Lochnager, and Caterpillar Valley where the contingent visited the grave of New Zealand's Unknown Warrior and performed the NZCF Haka at the NZ Memorial.

"The trip can only be described as incredibly awesome and a once in a lifetime experience for the cadets and officers attending."

ANZUK26 was far more than an overseas trip—it was an opportunity to honour history, strengthen international friendships, and create lifelong memories while proudly representing the New Zealand Cadet Corps on the world stage.

29/07/2026

Every journey begins with a single step, and for 21 Officer Cadets, that step was taken at Burnham Military Camp during the first New Zealand Cadet Force Commissioning Course of 2026.

Over nine demanding days, the Officer Cadets were challenged both mentally and physically as they developed the knowledge, skills, and leadership expected of NZCF Commissioned Officers. From planning and conducting activities to risk management, duty of care, and effective leadership, every lesson prepared them for the responsibilities that lie ahead within their units.

Although the course was demanding, the Officer Cadets, bringing together a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and experience, quickly became a cohesive team. Through determination, resilience, and mutual support, they encouraged one another to overcome every challenge while living the NZCF values every step of the way.

Congratulations to all who successfully completed the course and took the first step in their commissioning journey. We look forward to seeing what you bring to not only your home unit, but also the wider New Zealand Cadet Forces.

23/07/2026

From 3–12 July, a team from the New Zealand Cadet Corps travelled to Queensland to compete in the Australian Chief of Army Cadet Team Challenge (CACTC). Hosted by the Australian Army Cadets, the competition brought together 16 teams from the Australian Army Cadets, Australian Air Force Cadets, and the New Zealand Cadet Corps.

To successfully complete the CACTC, cadets must consistently demonstrate individually and collectively the ability to problem-solve and complete tasks throughout the activity period, whilst displaying The Australian Army Cadet values of Service, Courage, Respect, Integrity and Excellence.

The challenge pushed cadets to their limits, navigating more than 30 kilometres of rugged bushland, climbing 1,200 metres of elevation, and tackling ten demanding, scenario-based activity stands. From navigation and mass-casualty first aid to observation, vehicle recovery, laser shooting, and stretcher carries, every stand required quick thinking, effective communication, and teamwork under pressure.

A huge congratulations to our New Zealand Cadet Corps team for an outstanding third-place finish! 🥉 Your commitment, perseverance, and teamwork were a credit to New Zealand.

Congratulations also to the Australian Army Cadets – South Queensland Brigade on taking first place, and the Australian Army Cadets – South Australia Brigade for securing second place.

Well done to everyone involved in an incredible display of leadership, endurance, and international cadet camaraderie!

25/06/2026

Since its inception in 2022, Exercise Baby Sparrow, hosted by No. 1 (City of Wellington) Squadron, has provided cadets with an excellent opportunity to prepare for upcoming Area Skills Competitions. The exercise not only develops essential competition skills but also strengthens inter-unit camaraderie and helps newer cadets build confidence and experience in a supportive environment.

This year, 48 cadets from six Wellington-area units came together for a weekend of learning and challenge, operating from the Youth Development Unit at Trentham Military Camp.

Throughout the exercise, cadets participated in a range of activities including drill, observation skills, first aid, and physical training, all designed to test and develop their abilities while fostering teamwork and leadership.

We wish all attending cadets the very best as they head into their respective Skills Competitions and look forward to seeing the results of their hard work and dedication.

Address

HQ New Zealand Cadet Forces Trentham Military Camp
Upper Hutt
5018

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8am - 4:30pm
Friday	8am - 4:30pm

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https://shop.cadetforces.org.nz/, https://cadetforces.org.nz/

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