16/04/2026
Operation Rough Ground April 9th-12th 2026. Roy’s Hill, Hawkes Bay.
Approximately 90 Cadets and Staff attended attended a combined interunit field/bush craft camp. Cadets from Ruahine Cadet Unit, Training Ship Ahuiri, Napier Cadet Unit, 13 Squadron Napier and 11 Squadron Hastings
First, we have to thank the people and business that make this camp financially possible.
Air Force Base Ohakea provided fifteen 14 x 14 tents with extensions to accommodate the 90 cadets and staff. Ohakea also provided a power generator.
This would not have been possible without the support of Ohakea based friend of 13 SQN and 11 SQN, Flight Sergeant Steve Knapton. Without F/S Knapton arranging the military accommodation, this camp would not have the same feel as a military-based training camp.
Having all the male cadets housed in one super large tent was an experience that have never had. The female cadets also had the same experience being housed in their own very large tent. Also, an experience they have never had.
Wee Doo Loos give us a very good rate for the 10 portable loos required for 100 people. Flushable with hand sanitiser. Perfect for construction sites or the back yard shin-dig.
11 SQN ATC Unit Support Committee applied for funding from The First Light Foundation. First Light Community Foundation is a not-for-profit foundation, based in Hawke's Bay, which raises funds through the operation of gaming machines at hotels ...
Veolia paid for 1000 litres of fresh water on a trailer provided by Hawkes Bay Crane Hire. Veolia Discover sustainable water services and innovative technology. Veolia leads the way with reliable water solutions for a better future.
Alexander Construction provided a BBQ trailer and Refrigerated trailer free of charge. “Serving up awesomeness is the catch phrase”. Alexander construction company is built on a proud history of quality workmanship, innovation and straight-talking integrity. With more than 92% of our clients returning for repeat projects, we’re trusted to deliver work that goes far beyond “on time and on budget.” We build awesomeness on projects shaped by honesty, long-standing relationships and a genuine commitment to the people we work with.
Hirepool for their sizzle shack BBQ trailer. Hirepool’s broad range includes plate compactors, concrete breakers, excavators, car trailers and more. Get in contact with your friendly Hirepool Napier equipment rental team. We look forward to working with you.
Operation Rough Ground. When we planned this camp, we were not aware of a cyclone that was going to disrupt our plans. The camp was cut short so our Cadets would be home before the cyclone came through. First lessons were to select a camp site, erect the 14 x 14 tents with extensions, understand the camp standing orders, sort out your barracks, cook dinner, clean up, fire drill.
The basis for the training was based on the TV programme Survivor.
Elect a committee, assign roles and responsibilities, Safety and first aid, learn how to do knots and lashings, take all the equipment to the new camp site, fire lighting and food preparation, boiling water, shelter building for everyone, building a raft to get across the river, Safe River crossing, digging latrines, dealing with wasps and blackberries.
Due to the cyclone, all cadets woke up early Saturday morning and had breakfast before being thrown into dismantling the camp before the rain came. No such luck. It rained. But it was warm and manageable. We managed to get all the cadets gear into the main male accommodation and pull down and pack up the remaining camp.
Thank you to all the Cadets, Officers, Officer Cadets, Suppletory Staff Members, Unit Support Committees, Air Force Base Ohakea, Flight Sergeant Steve Knapton, our sponsors. Last but not least, our Ohakea based, Central Area Advisors that support this interunit activity.
