New Zealand Cadet Forces

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]

🤩 Design D-Inspired by Māori whakairo and kirituhi, Design D celebrates identity, heritage, and the values that unite th...
19/06/2026

🤩 Design D-
Inspired by Māori whakairo and kirituhi, Design D celebrates identity, heritage, and the values that unite the New Zealand Cadet Forces.

Interconnected patterns and motifs represent the unique strengths and traditions of the Navy, Army, and Air Cadets, while symbolic elements such as the koru, manaia, compass rose, and pakati patterns embody courage, resilience, growth, guardianship, and leadership.

More than a decorative design, the artwork tells a story of unity, service, and belonging. Honouring the past while looking to the future, Design D reflects the strength, legacy, and whānau spirit of the NZCF, creating a distinctive hoodie that cadets and staff can wear with pride throughout Aotearoa.

🤩 Design C-A striking black and gold hoodie known as Mana Koura – meaning Golden Prestige – representing pride, excellen...
19/06/2026

🤩 Design C-
A striking black and gold hoodie known as Mana Koura – meaning Golden Prestige – representing pride, excellence, and strength.

The black and gold colour scheme was chosen to create a design that is both neutral and bold, offering a strong visual identity with an elite look and feel. The combination provides a modern and professional appearance while remaining versatile and timeless.

Inspired by the concepts of mana and prestige, Design C embodies the pride, resilience, and sense of belonging shared by members of the New Zealand Cadet Forces, creating a hoodie that cadets and staff can wear with confidence and distinction.

🤩 Design B-A dark navy hoodie that combines culture, identity, and unity in a bold and distinctive design.At the centre ...
19/06/2026

🤩 Design B-
A dark navy hoodie that combines culture, identity, and unity in a bold and distinctive design.

At the centre are three interconnected koru, representing the Navy, Army, and Air Cadets and the unity of the New Zealand Cadet Forces’ three services. Each koru carries the strength, values, and identity of its service, while woven together as one they symbolise partnership, growth, and the idea that we are stronger together. Reflecting the cadet journey, the koru also represents personal development, learning, and progress.

A surrounding circle represents the connection between cadets across New Zealand and reinforces the themes of unity and shared purpose. The front features the NZCF logo, while the sleeves incorporate the New Zealand flag and NZCF lettering to showcase national pride.

Blending Māori-inspired design elements with a modern, professional style, Design B celebrates the spirit of the New Zealand Cadet Forces and creates a hoodie that cadets and staff can wear with pride throughout Aotearoa.

🤩 Design A-A classic all-black hoodie, available in a pullover style.The front features the New Zealand Flag on the righ...
19/06/2026

🤩 Design A-
A classic all-black hoodie, available in a pullover style.

The front features the New Zealand Flag on the right chest and the NZCF logo on the left. Across the lower back, the words NZ CADET FORCES are displayed in silver, providing a clean and distinctive look.

To represent New Zealand, silver fern motifs run along each sleeve, adding a subtle but unmistakably Kiwi touch to the design.

🏆 The finalists are in!After an incredible response to the NZCF Hoodie Design Competition, we’ve narrowed the field down...
18/06/2026

🏆 The finalists are in!

After an incredible response to the NZCF Hoodie Design Competition, we’ve narrowed the field down to four outstanding designs. A huge thank you to everyone who submitted an entry, the creativity on display has been exceptional.

Over the coming hours, we’ll reveal the four anonymous finalists and put the decision in your hands via a poll this Saturday afternoon. Keep an eye out and get ready to vote for the design you’d like to see become the next NZCF hoodie!

SQNLDR Muir's journey with the New Zealand Cadet Forces began in 1988 when he joined as a Cadet with the City of New Ply...
18/06/2026

SQNLDR Muir's journey with the New Zealand Cadet Forces began in 1988 when he joined as a Cadet with the City of New Plymouth Cadet Unit, motivated by his aspiration for a career in the New Zealand Army. After several years of dedication, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1995 with the same unit.

SQNLDR Muir transferred to the Air Training Corps in 2011 to command and rebuild No. 8 Squadron. he was appointed as the Area Support Officer for Taranaki in 2020. In 2024, he returned to his roots as the Unit Commander of the City of New Plymouth Cadet Unit, illustrating his dedication to the growth and sustainability of the unit.

The year 2024 marked a significant transition for SQNLDR Muir, as he also shifted from a successful career as an Executive Chef to becoming a full-time Hospitality Teacher at New Plymouth Boys' High School while also pursuing a diploma in secondary education at the University of Waikato. Reflecting on the challenges and achievements of the year, he described it as "an insane year."

Throughout his journey, SQNLDR Muir credits the skills he acquired from both his culinary career and his experiences in the NZCF for helping him remain calm under pressure, focus on what truly matters to effectively manage a busy schedule. He acknowledges the unwavering support of his wife, Jackie, and their three children, without whom he believes he could not achieve all that he does.

Empowered by the opportunities provided by the NZCF, SQNLDR Muir remains committed to the NZCF. He states, "I could not simply stand by and watch any unit decline, especially the CNPCU, as that is where my NZCF journey started." His transition from the kitchen to the classroom was eased by the instructional techniques and training management course and the experience he gained through the NZCF.

Ultimately, it is the cadets and his fellow officers who inspire him to continue his service. As an Officer, SQNLDR Muir says he's had the privilege of influencing the development of the people around him as they acquire real-life skills, gain confidence, and grow into valued members of the community.

In his spare time, SQNLDR Muir enjoys managing his son's Under-15 rugby team, spending time with his family, fishing, and indulging in his passion for supercars.

This National Volunteer Week, we celebrate SQNLDR Muir and thank him for his dedication to the New Zealand Cadet Forces and the generations of young New Zealanders he has helped shape.

For LT Malcolm Rudd, volunteering with the New Zealand Cadet Forces is about giving back and helping young people reach ...
16/06/2026

For LT Malcolm Rudd, volunteering with the New Zealand Cadet Forces is about giving back and helping young people reach their potential.

Malcolm first joined the NZCF as an Army Cadet in 2005 after a friend’s father suggested they check out Cadets together. He joined on the spot and, more than two decades later, is still proudly serving. After his time as a Cadet, he commissioned into the Navy Cadets in 2011 and has continued to invest his time and experience into developing the next generation.

Having gained so much from his own Cadet journey, Malcolm says one of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering is watching young people grow in confidence, leadership and character.

"I got a lot out of my time as a Cadet, and I want to provide that same opportunity to others. Watching the progression and personal development of Cadets as they grow through the organisation is incredibly rewarding, and being part of that journey is something special."

The skills and experiences he gained through NZCF continue to influence his everyday life. Leadership, communication and the "just get stuck in" attitude developed through Cadets have helped shape both his personal and professional life, where he works as a Fulfilment Network Specialist and Operations Lead for a large New Zealand retail chain.

Outside of NZCF, Malcolm is a husband and father of three children, with one of his children now following in his footsteps as a Cadet.

For Malcolm, the greatest sense of purpose comes from knowing he can make a positive difference in the lives of young people. “There's something really special about running into former Cadets and seeing what they've gone on to achieve, it makes it all worthwhile."

Among his many highlights are participating in national activities such as Cadet 150 and Cadet 2020, and more recently creating and leading Exercise Trident, an annual large-scale activity held over Labour Weekend for the Lower South Island.

This Volunteer Week, we thank LT Malcolm Rudd for his dedication, leadership and commitment to creating opportunities for young New Zealanders. Volunteers like Malcolm are at the heart of the NZCF, helping shape confident, capable and community-minded young people for the future.

This National Volunteer Week, we recognise and thank the dedicated volunteers who make the New Zealand Cadet Forces poss...
14/06/2026

This National Volunteer Week, we recognise and thank the dedicated volunteers who make the New Zealand Cadet Forces possible. Across the country, our officers, instructors, support staff, committee members, and adult volunteers generously give their time, skills, and experience to create opportunities that have a lasting impact on young New Zealanders.

Their commitment goes far beyond weekly parades and activities. Through leadership, mentorship, and service, they help develop confident, capable, and community-minded young people.

As our organisation continues to grow and provide opportunities for more youth across New Zealand, the contribution of volunteers remains as important as ever. Whether sharing professional expertise, supporting behind the scenes, or mentoring the next generation, there are many ways to make a difference and become part of the NZCF community.

To all of our volunteers, thank you for the countless hours you contribute and for the difference you make every day. Your passion and dedication are at the heart of the New Zealand Cadet Forces, and we are proud to celebrate and acknowledge your service during National Volunteer Week.

Thank you for serving our youth and strengthening our communities.

🇳🇿

Wow, what an amazing two weeks! This year’s RNZAF Flying Immersion Course was an absolute blast. The course consisted of...
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.

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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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