Navy cadets is the perfect answer for bored teenagers. Rugby or netball isn’t their thing and they thinks it’s too late to start activities like dance or martial arts. Then Navy cadets is something a bit different.
From the age of 13 years (or college ages) to 18 years, Navy cadets is a leadership and activity-based programme run independently of, but alongside the New Zealand Defence Force.
Young people can come up against many problems in life. And we’ve seen the difference that having leadership, resilience and team skills can make to them. So our mission is to develop confident, responsible young citizens who are valued within their community by providing them, within a military framework, safe, enjoyable and challenging opportunities.
Navy cadets helps young Aucklanders learn the skills that will see them succeed in life, whatever path they choose to take.
Cadets meet once a week for a parade night where they learn drills, leadership skills, fitness and sailing skills. Units often meet at the weekends to participate in sailing, bush-craft, shooting and camps.
Along the way Navy cadets earn NCEA credits and can use activities towards Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
Navy cadets can help young people develop:
Courage. Confronting challenges, both physical and moral, to overcome any adversity.
Commitment. Being reliable and loyally Being reliable and loyally serving and supporting the NZCF, local communities and New Zealand.
Comradeship. Looking out for each other, having respect for all, and championing the benefits of friendship, teamwork and diversity.
Integrity. Having self-discipline and always being honest, trustworthy and responsible.
As cadets progress through Navy cadets they have the opportunities to go to sea with the Navy on the HMSNZ vessels or travel overseas on exchange trips to visit cadet forces in other countries.
But all they think is that they’re having fun. Sailing, tramping, shooting, bush-craft, camps, first aid, sea survival skills.
Frequently asked questions about Navy Cadets
But I don’t want to go into the Navy
Being in Navy cadets doesn’t mean you need to join the Navy after you complete school. Although some of our cadets choose to follow a path into the Navy, many use the skills they have learned in cadets to choose a career or study path in something totally different.
But I can’t sail
This doesn’t matter. We teach sailing and water safety skills as part of the experience of being in Navy cadets.
What’s the difference between ‘Sea cadets’ and ‘Navy cadets’?
There is no difference. We used to be called Sea cadets but in a recent rebranding project we were renamed Navy cadets. This brings us in line with the other Cadet Forces: Air Cadets and Cadet Corps (army).
Why should the kids get all the fun?
Well, they don’t. Each unit is run by a team of non-commissioned officers led by the Unit Commander. Cadets can transition to officers when they are too old to be a cadet (20 years old). Or adults can join and be trained to become a unit officer. Cadet units are often recruiting for adult officers. And they have just as much fun.
There are 16 Navy Cadet units in New Zealand.
Four of the units are based in Auckland.
T.S. Gambia is based in Otahuhu
Facebook @TSGambia.NZ
T.S. Achilles in Orakei
Facebook @TSachilles
T.S. Leander in Devonport
Facebook @TSleander
T.S. Bellona in Hobsonville
Facebook @TSBellona