Latest news with #NZDF
Scoop
13 hours ago
- General
- Scoop
Double Win For Tauranga Teen
Press Release – Blue Light Reflecting on his week at camp, Tatahau shared, The camp gave me confidence and understanding in myselfIt also gave me the confidence to work with others and lead a group while gaining life skills and knowledge on how routine, discipline and … 'Not only my peers but also the staff had acknowledged the person I am', says Tatahau Ronaki (18), who achieved an impressive double win at Blue Light's Life Skills Camp held at the Burnham Military Base from 14 – 18 July 2025. Tatahau, who lives in Tauranga, walked away with two of the three top awards – the Overall Excellence Award and the Peers' Choice Award – impressing both the New Zealand Defence Force and his fellow participants. Reflecting on his week at camp, Tatahau shared, 'The camp gave me confidence and understanding in myself…It also gave me the confidence to work with others and lead a group while gaining life skills and knowledge on how routine, discipline and teamwork can go a long way.' Tatahau encourages other teens to consider the Blue Light Life Skills Camp. 'Don't hold back and give it a go. This opportunity is a great experience and you get to work alongside great staff and meet amazing new people, and in that week, you can learn a lot about yourself,' he advises. Blue Light Mentor, Kawana Marsden, reflects on Tatahau's journey. 'Tatahau really stood out during camp, not because he was the loudest or the fastest, but because he gave everything a go, even when he was a bit nervous. He lifted his team with quiet confidence, always encouraging those around him. You could see his teammates naturally looking to him for leadership and wanting him to represent them. He soaked up every bit of advice from the NZDF staff and wasn't there to show off – he was there to grow. His attitude, leadership and commitment shone through, and it's no surprise he took home both the Overall Excellence and Peers' Choice Awards.' Looking ahead, Tatahau shared his next steps. 'I have my eyes on joining either the Army or the Police, but I'm still not sure. For now, I am looking for employment,' he shared. Blue Light's Life Skills Camp, run in partnership with the New Zealand Defence Force, provides young people with a unique opportunity to develop confidence, leadership, and resilience. Tatahau's story is just one of many where teens discover their strengths and set goals for a brighter future. This highly successful programme has been run by New Zealand Blue Light in partnership with the NZ Defence Force for the past 14 years and has adventure-based experiential learning as a key part of the programme. The programme provides 14-17-year-olds with critical life skills such as self-development, self-control, and teamwork that will enable young people to be successful at home, school, in communities, and in employment. Up to 12 courses are held each year in Auckland, Trentham, Waiouru, and Burnham locations. For more information about the Blue Light Life Skills camps, visit Blue Light is grateful for the support of the sponsorship of the Lion Foundation and community supporters. See or visit New Zealand Blue Light Blue Light is a not-for-profit charity that works in partnership with the Police to create positive connections between young people and the Police, helping young people find direction, fun, and a sense of belonging within their communities, enabling young people to develop life skills, leadership skills, and find employment opportunities. Blue Light believes that it is through the empowerment of disadvantaged youth to reach their full potential that their overall well-being can be improved, and in turn, the well-being of their communities. Blue Light achieves this through removing the barriers for disadvantaged youth to participate positively in the community, through both its national and locally-based programmes, activities, and events. Blue Light's work in the community is unique – it is not a one-size-fits-all approach. We have 70 local branches working with NZ Police to create meaningful experiences for young people in their regions, including cultural, sporting, and educational activities that are alcohol, drug, and violence-free. Although Blue Light is supported by the Police, the two operate independently. For many participants, the programmes decrease the risk of youth offending and becoming victims of crime through access to positive role models, time with other young people away and the opportunity to see the world outside their current environment. Blue Light originally began in Australia as a community policing initiative and remains strong in all states. As well as in New Zealand, it is now active in the Solomon Islands, Fiji, the Cook Islands, and Scotland.
Otago Daily Times
16 hours ago
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Residents win battle to make noise complaints about army rifle range
West Melton residents have won a four-year battle to retain the right to lodge noise complaints about the army rifle range on the outskirts of the township. The Environment Court has ruled people will still be able to complain, but a covenant will be put in place for new residents, noting they are within a designated noise boundary. The New Zealand Defence Force will also have to prepare a noise management plan for the 422ha West Melton Rifle Range, which it has operated since the 1940s. In a bid to protect the range from complaints, NZDF had tried to get the no-complaints covenant added at the District Plan review in 2021, but it was rejected by the Selwyn District Council. NZDF appealed the district council's decision in 2023, with a hearing held in February. Rein in the Range co-founder and nearby resident Jerry Larason, who presented at the hearing, welcomed the requirement for a noise plan. 'The noise management plan was something we asked for a long time ago,' he said. Larason was still concerned the covenants for new residents would affect the resale values of properties. 'It is going to be a line on a deed . . . I still think it will raise eyebrows.' Rein in the Range was formed in 2009 after a blast wave from the range damaged homes and distressed animals. The group, which represents about 300 residents, aims to maintain open communication with the NZDF, rather than shut the range down. In their decision, Judge Prudence Steven and commissioners James Baines and Kate Wilkinson sided with the district council and residents. 'We agree that the ability to make complaints, and for those to be investigated and acted upon when that response is justified, ought not to be curtailed,' they said. The panel also confirmed the covenant would not prevent future complaints. Nearby resident Alastair Nicol was pleased complaints could still be made. 'We knew it wasn't going to fly,' he said. The noise management plan will outline how the NZDF will engage with the community, respond to complaints about unreasonable noise, and ensure the range continues operating within acceptable limits. NZDF will be required to consult with residents within the noise boundary and have the plan approved by the district council.
RNZ News
2 days ago
- Politics
- RNZ News
NZDF combat-ready soldiers deployed to South Korea to work with local and US army
A NZ Army platoon has flown from Christchurch to the Republic of Korea for training and activities with Korea and United States forces. Photo: Supplied / NZDF For the first time, a New Zealand Army infantry platoon will be deployed to South Korea to work with local and United States Army forces. The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) said 35 combat-ready soldiers will work with units from the Republic of Korea Armed Forces and US Army. They'll undertake training and activities at the world-class Korea Combat Training Centre, the first NZ Army organisation to do so. Land Component Commander Brigadier Jason Dyhrberg said over the next 90 days, they will undertake a range of infantry training activities with their South Korean and US counterparts. "After three months, our troops will be more familiar with their counterparts' techniques and tactics and be better able to readily integrate into a coalition warfighting environment," Dyhrberg said. "At the conclusion of their time on the Korean Peninsula, they will have been tested across a range of challenging scenarios and activities and be deemed combat ready under both the South Korean and US systems. "We know the NZ Army produces world-class soldiers and officers. This deployment presents another great opportunity to showcase our people, to learn new skills and to develop greater levels of combat readiness alongside key international partners. I have no doubt that they will do us proud." The NZDF has a long-standing commitment to supporting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and has been deploying personnel to the United Nations Command (UNC) and its Military Armistice Commission since 1998. The New Zealand Defence Attaché to Korea, Colonel Rob Loftus, said the aim of the deployment was to foster cooperation and understanding between the three forces at the platoon level. "This will provide our soldiers with a fantastic training opportunity to exercise with our military partners on the peninsula. They'll build relationships while putting themselves to the test. "The platoon will also participate in several cultural and commemorative activities celebrating the 75th year anniversary of the United Nations Command, and Korean War battle anniversaries." UNC Deputy Commander Canadian Army Lieutenant General Derek Macaulay said that as the UNC celebrated its 75th anniversary, it was honoured to welcome the NZ Army infantry unit. "The platoon's presence here reflects New Zealand's steadfast commitment to UNC and to the enduring peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula. For over seven decades New Zealand has stood firm in support of the shared values we defend together.'' New Zealand contributed both naval and ground forces in support of UNC during the Korean War in the early 1950s, where more than 6000 New Zealanders served. The platoon will remain on the Korean Peninsula until the end of October. Further joint training and mission rehearsal activities are being planned for 2026.
Scoop
3 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
NZ Army Combat-Ready Infantry Platoon Deploys To The Republic Of Korea
A New Zealand Army infantry platoon of 35 soldiers has deployed to the Republic of Korea to undertake training and activities with Korean and United States forces. The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has a long-standing commitment to supporting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and has been deploying personnel to the United Nations Command (UNC) and its Military Armistice Commission since 1998. Now, for the first time, the NZDF is deploying a combat-ready infantry platoon to work with units from the Republic of Korea Armed Forces and US Army. A second deployment is planned for next year. The platoon will be the first NZ Army organisation to train at the world-class Korea Combat Training Centre, providing the Kiwi soldiers with another unique aspect to their deployment. Over the next 90 days, they will undertake a range of infantry training activities with their South Korean and US counterparts. Land Component Commander Brigadier Jason Dyhrberg said the soldiers would develop new skills while honing others. This was a great opportunity to gain valuable experience alongside Republic of Korea and US personnel and have access to world class-combat training facilities, he said, 'After three months, our troops will be more familiar with their counterparts' techniques and tactics and be better able to readily integrate into a coalition warfighting environment,' Brigadier Dyhrberg said. 'At the conclusion of their time on the Korean Peninsula, they will have been tested across a range of challenging scenarios and activities and be deemed combat ready under both the South Korean and US systems. 'We know the NZ Army produces world-class soldiers and officers. This deployment presents another great opportunity to showcase our people, to learn new skills and to develop greater levels of combat readiness alongside key international partners. I have no doubt that they will do us proud.' The New Zealand Defence Attaché to Korea, Colonel Rob Loftus, said the aim of the deployment was to foster cooperation and understanding between the three forces at the platoon level. 'This will provide our soldiers with a fantastic training opportunity to exercise with our military partners on the peninsula. They'll build relationships while putting themselves to the test. 'The platoon will also participate in several cultural and commemorative activities celebrating the 75th year anniversary of the United Nations Command, and Korean War battle anniversaries.' UNC Deputy Commander Canadian Army Lieutenant General Derek Macaulay said that as the UNC celebrated its 75th anniversary, it was honoured to welcome the NZ Army infantry unit. 'The platoon's presence here reflects New Zealand's steadfast commitment to UNC and to the enduring peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula. For over seven decades New Zealand has stood firm in support of the shared values we defend together.'' The latest deployment builds on the legacy started when New Zealand contributed both naval and ground forces in support of UNC during the Korean War in the early 1950s. More than 6000 New Zealanders served. The platoon will remain on the Korean Peninsula until the end of October. Further joint training and mission rehearsal activities are being planned for 2026.
RNZ News
4 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
No penalty clauses paid on stalled Waiouru army base housing project
Waiouru military training camp Photo: Google Maps The Defence Force (NZDF) says it has not paid any penalty clauses associated with its housing project at Waiouru army base . Penalty clauses can be paid when contractors or subcontractors sign up to projects that do not then go ahead. The $50 million-plus project has stalled , though both defence and Ngāti Rangi iwi consider it urgent, and the force issued a tender over a year ago for 50 new homes. No building has taken place. The NZDF once again refused to tell RNZ why it was still in negotiations with the iwi over the housing. It had appeared the talks were settled before it issued last year's tender. "Negotiations in relation to this matter remain underway. Accordingly, this information is withheld in full... to enable negotiations to be carried out without prejudice or disadvantage," it said in a response to a request under the Offiicial Information Act. "The NZDF's relationship with local iwi has not changed and remains vital to our use of the Waiouru Military Training Area," it added. It also said no penalty clauses had been paid, either related to the new builds or the retrofit upgrade of existing army rental houses. Defence housing and other facilities were very rundown, interfering with its military performance and leading to some personnel quitting, its own reports showed. It had an Estate Investment Committee that "provides performance monitoring, oversight, and direction", according to its annual report. But when RNZ asked for the latest three performance management reports by the committee, NZDF replied: "No reports are generated by the New Zealand Defence Force's Estate Investment Committee." It repeated this in relation to its Technology Governance Committee, when RNZ asked for its latest reports, too. A lot of the NZDF's information technology was old and needed replacing, or were in the middle of years-long projects. Funding was set aside in Budget 2025 for this.
