History

Cadet units have been part of New Zealand life for more than 100 years.

1864: First Cadet Unit in NZ

The first unit raised was at Dunedin High School (now Otago Boys High School) in 1864. By 1870 there were several secondary school units in existence, including at Nelson College, Christ’s College, Wellington College and Auckland Grammar School. As well at schools, some open (non-school) Defence Cadet Units existed.

1929: First Sea Cadets

The first Sea Cadet Unit in New Zealand was TS (Training Ship) Steadfast in Christchurch, formed as the Canterbury Division of the Navy League Sea Cadets on 21st October 1929. Units in Dunedin followed in 1938, Wellington (Petone) in 1941, and then Auckland in 1943. In 1958, a second Christchurch unit, TS Cornwell, was formed at Sumner and Redcliffs. 

2011: The Christchurch Earthquakes

During the 2011 earthquakes TS Cornwell's unit bacame damaged and ultimatley part of the building slipped into the Avon estuary at Redcliffs, Christchurch. As a result the cadets and staff didnt have anywhere safe to parade. At this time TS Steadfast was parading at the current location on Montreal St and offered to take the unit in as a temporary measure. Months turned into years and a suggestion from HQNZCF was made to amalgamate the two units into one.