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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]

25/05/2026

Wow, what an amazing two weeks! This year’s RNZAF Flying Immersion Course was an absolute blast. The course consisted of six students in total — five Air Cadets from across New Zealand, alongside the recipient of the Chief of Air Force Prize from the Walsh Memorial Scout Flying School.

The two-week immersion course provided Cadets with an incredible insight into operational life within the Royal New Zealand Air Force, living, eating, studying, flying, like Air Force pilots. With many students having open applications to join the New Zealand Defence Force, this course provided an appreciation for what that might look like, and tips and tricks to help during this process.

Week One was spent working alongside Central Flying School and No. 14 Squadron, where Cadets learnt about the RNZAF’s T-6C Texan II aircraft. This included approximately three hours each in the T-6 simulators, learning aircraft procedures and checklists, helmet fit-outs, swing and drop tests, ejection seat training, completing a RNZAF PT test, and, of course, plenty of opportunities to look and feel like Air Force pilots.

Week Two saw the experience taken to another level, with Cadets each receiving a 90-minute flight in a T-6 Texan. Across two days, the group conducted two separate three-ship formation flights, with three Cadets flying in formation at a time — one Cadet in each aircraft. An absolutely unbelievable experience and undoubtedly a highlight of the course.

Alongside their fixed-wing experiences, Cadets also spent time with No. 3 Squadron RNZAF, where they operated the A109 simulator before flying in an NH90 helicopter out to the training areas surrounding Ohakea.

During downtime throughout the course, the group were also able to explore a number of other RNZAF trades and operational areas, including visits to Air Traffic Control, avionics technicians, safety and surface equipment sections, aircraft structural technicians, and many more.

The course concluded with students attending an Anzac Day service in Bulls, a moment of reflection for the sacrifices involved in service.

A huge thank you to all the staff that made this awesome experience happen for our cadets.

10/05/2026

Over Easter weekend, No. 21 (District of Masterton) Squadron proudly supported the Wairarapa Balloon Festival 🎈

Cadets had the unique opportunity to work alongside experienced balloonists from across New Zealand, gaining hands-on experience as crew members and learning directly from pilots and Crew Chiefs.

Early starts were the norm, with cadets arriving at ascension sites before dawn, waiting for sunrise and the right conditions to determine each balloon’s direction of travel. Recovery locations proved to be both challenging and interesting, where local knowledge played a key role in successful operations.

This was a fantastic experience for No. 21SQN cadets and their families. The positive feedback from Pilots and Crew Chiefs was especially rewarding, highlighting the enthusiasm and potential of the next generation of hot air balloon pilots.

Well done to everyone involved! 👏

📸 Debbie Hunt Photography

The Wairarapa Balloon Festival is a popular 4–5 day event held over Easter weekend in the Wairarapa region. It features early morning hot air balloon ascensions from various towns like Masterton and Carterton, along with a family carnival featuring a night glow, food, and music.

07/05/2026

🕊️ It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Squadron Leader Allen Douglas, a dedicated and highly respected member of the New Zealand Cadet Forces whose service and commitment spanned decades.

Before commissioning as an officer in 1996, Allen began his journey as a cadet with TS TUTIRA in Levin, rising to the rank of Master Cadet. He went on to serve across both the Sea Cadet Corps and Air Training Corps, holding a range of leadership and instructional appointments that positively impacted countless cadets and officers over the years.

Allen served with TS TUTIRA, No.49 (District of Kapiti) Squadron, City of Porirua Cadet Unit, and TS TAUPO, including appointments as Unit Commander, Executive Officer, Training Officer, Adjutant, and most recently Temporary Unit Commander of No. 49 SQN. His dedication to youth development and cadet training was unwavering, and his contribution to the NZCF community was enduring. Throughout his service, Allen supported numerous national activities including Sea Cadet Regattas, Cadet Coxswain Courses, Maritime Safety Officers Courses, and the ATC Skills Competition. In recognition of his long and valuable service, he was awarded the Cadet Forces Medal in 2006, followed by the 1st and 2nd Clasps to the Cadet Forces medal in 2014 and 2022 respectively.

Squadron Leader Douglas will be remembered for his leadership, mentorship, professionalism, and the lasting impact he had on generations of cadets and officers alike.

Our thoughts are with Allen’s family, friends, and all those across the NZCF community who had the privilege of serving alongside him.
Fair winds and following seas.

Allen’s funeral will be on Wednesday 13 May at 1100hrs at the Salvation Army Hall on Durham Street in Levin.

05/05/2026

The Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO) course was conducted nationwide during the second week of the school holidays, bringing together motivated junior NCOs ready to take the next step in their Cadet Forces journey.

This key promotional course challenges and develops cadets by equipping them with the skills required of an SNCO. Throughout the week, students are trained and assessed in delivering engaging theory lessons, executing SNCO parade appointments, and demonstrating effective leadership in a range of scenarios.

Congratulations to all those who attended and successfully passed the course.

03/05/2026

The New Zealand Cadet Forces played an important role in supporting both Poppy Day and Anzac Day commemorations across the country.

Working in partnership with their communities, cadet units helped ensure Anzac Day remained a significant and meaningful occasion. Their dedication in the lead-up to, and throughout the day, was widely appreciated and reflects a strong commitment to honouring those who have selflessly served our country.

Representing the NZCF at a national level was CDTF/S Foster, our NZCF Cadet of the Year, who represented the youth of New Zealand at the National Anzac Day Service and the Atatürk Service in Wellington. His duties included delivering a reading and laying a wreath on behalf of New Zealand’s youth.

Across the nation, cadets contributed in a variety of ways including being on parade, assisting organisers, supporting Poppy Day, readings and representing their units with pride. Their conduct reflects great credit on themselves and the NZCF.

Thank you to all cadets and staff who helped keep the Anzac spirit alive for future generations. Lest we forget. 🇦🇺🇳🇿

30/04/2026

During the first week of the school holidays, cadets from across the country converged on Tāmaki Leadership Centre, RNZAF Base Ohakea, and Burnham Military Camp for the bi-annual Junior Non-Commissioned Officer (JNCO) Course—an exciting step in their leadership journey.

Throughout the course, cadets were challenged, developed, and pushed beyond their comfort zones as they built the skills required of a JNCO. From delivering confident drill instruction and mastering squad command, to refining presentation techniques and leading under pressure through quick task orders, each student was given the opportunity to grow as both a leader and a teammate.

Congratulations to all who attended and successfully completed the course. This achievement marks the beginning of your path as a Non-Commissioned Officer, and we look forward to seeing you apply your new skills and lead with confidence in your units.

26/04/2026

Got what it takes to leave your mark?
The NZCF is calling for bold ideas and sharp designs. This is your chance to create the often requested NZCF hoodie!

👥 Who Can Enter:
Open to all current NZ Cadet Forces personnel (cadets and staff). Can enter as an individual or as a team with a maximum of four people. Each individual may submit a maximum of two designs- either as an individual or as part of a team.

🧥 Design Requirements:
Consider Leavers, University or Full Dye Sublimation designs, your options are endless! You decide if its zip through or pullover, chose your colours. Design must be original (no copyrighted material). Submit in digital format (PDF/PNG/JPEG). Include a short explanation of your design and its features (max 250 words). If it wouldn’t look good on 100+ people across the country, rethink it.

🏆 Judging Criteria:
Creativity & originality, alignment with NZCF, visual impact & wearability, practicality for production, overall “wow factor”.

📅 Key Dates:
Competition opens: NOW!
Entries close: midnight, 31st May 2026
Finalists announced: 2 - 4 designs will then be chosen by HQ NZCF and you will be able to vote for your favourite on Instagram over the weekend of the 19th – 21st June.
Winner revealed: 5th July.

🎁 Prize:
Winning design produced as an NZCF hoodie, which will be available to purchase through the NZCF Merchandise Shop. Credit/recognition across NZCF channels. First hoodie off the production run for you or your team.

📩 How to Enter:
Submit your design and details via email to [email protected] and include details of yourself and/ or your team members. Rank (if applicable), name, unit, contact email.

⚖️ Terms & Conditions:
By entering, participants agree that NZCF may use and modify designs for production purposes. Final design may be adapted for manufacturing. Judges’ decision is final and late entries will not be accepted.

Dare to Take the Challenge!
‼️

24/04/2026

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,
We will remember them.

E kore rātou e kaumātuatia
Pēnei i a tātou kua mahue nei
E kore hoki rātou e ngoikore
Ahakoa pehea i ngā āhuatanga o te wā
I te hekenga atu o te rā
Tae noa ki te aranga mai i te ata
Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou
🇦🇺🇳🇿

23/04/2026

We Train To Serve

In the lead up to Anzac Day, and in the 85th year of the Air Training Corps, we remember the former members of the ATC who have died while serving in the military.

The newly-released ATC Roll of Honour was created by a No. 17 (City of Christchurch) Squadron officer while creating the No. 17 Squadron Roll of Honour.

The ATC Roll of Honour commemorates 154 known former members who have died on military service - from Whangarei to Invercargill, spanning a period from 1943 to 2010.

Please take a moment to reflect on our history and to remember these former ATC personnel on Anzac Day.

The Roll of Honour can be viewed on CadetNet, or is available for public download via this link: [https://tinyurl.com/ATC-Roll-of-Honour](https://tinyurl.com/ATC-Roll-of-Honour)

We Will Remember Them.

12/04/2026

🎮 In early March Northern and Central Area hosted a Train the Trainer Drones Course at RNZAF Base Whenuapai and RNZAF Base Ohakea which brought together officers from across the region. The course focused on building both confidence and capability, with participants learning the rules and regulations around drone operation before getting hands-on experience flying NZCF drones.

Thanks to recent additional funding from the NZDF, each Area Office is now being equipped with its own fleet of drones. This investment is a significant step forward, enabling the delivery of Drone Operators Courses at a regional level and ensuring greater access for units across the country.

As part of the training, officers flew the Tinyhawk 3, which is a small, lightweight drone perfectly suited to indoor group flying making it an ideal platform for cadets to learn and practise their skills. Upon completion, these officers are now qualified to deliver drone training at a unit level, helping to expand opportunities for cadets to engage with this exciting and rapidly growing capability.

With increased resources and trained instructors now in place, we look forward to seeing more courses rolled out across all areas, creating valuable development and training opportunities for our officers while enabling plenty of cadets to take to the skies!

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

Website

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

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