WHO WE ARE
New Zealand Cadet Forces video
NEW ZEALAND CADET FORCES
The New Zealand Cadet Corps (NZCC) is the land force arm of the NZCF, founded in 1864 and is aligned with the NZ Army. There are 34 units nationwide.
Cadet Corps training includes drill, first aid, land based navigation, land-based Search and Rescue, survival skills and weapons safety training.
A Cadet Skills competition is held annually, pitting the units from across New Zealand against each other to find the best overall.
WHO WE ARE THE NEW ZEALAND CADET FORCES
The New Zealand Cadet Forces (NZCF or Cadet Forces) is a voluntary military-style training organisation for New Zealand youth.
Run in a partnership between the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and a number of locally appointed community organizations, it is composed of three Corps.
(similar to the New Zealand Defence Force)
The Sea Cadet Corps (SCC).
The New Zealand Cadet Corps (NZCC).
The Air Training Corps (ATC).
The NZCF is commanded by the Commandant NZCF
Commander (CDR) Andrew Law, Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN),
Alongside Executive Officer, Wing Commander Bruce Sinclair (NZCF).
Overall it is directed by Air Marshal Kevin Short, Chief of Defence Force.
NEW ZEALAND CADET FORCE HISTORY
Copyright National Library New Zealand
1864 First Cadet Unit in NZ
The first unit raised was at Dunedin High School (now Otago Boys High School) in 1864, making it the oldest youth service organisation in New Zealand. About 1870 there were several secondary school units in existence, among those being Nelson College, Christ’s College, Wellington College and Auckland Grammar School. As well at schools, some open Defence Cadet Units existed.
1902-1910 PUBLIC SCHOOL CADET SYSTEM
There was a big focus on having drill in schools (under the Education act 1877) for fitness and well being. Under The Defence Act Amendment Act 1900, the Governor could make regulations for a Cadet Corps in connection with public schools, and give control to the Education Department. This was the Public School Cadets, running from1902 until it was disbanded in 1910.
Copyright National Library New Zealand
Defence Act 1909
In 1911, Lord Kitchener stated, during his visit to New Zealand, that the Cadet movement had an important role to play in the Defence of the Empire. Subsequently, the Army began to provide uniforms, rifles and other equipment to the units. This Army support continued through World War I, with many ex-school cadets making up the First Expeditionary Force.
1910 VISIT BY LORD KITCHENER
Lord Kitchener had arrived after visiting Australia on board HMS Encounter. He was the most famous soldier in the entire Empire for his time. Having arrived at Bluff in the South Island on 17th February, he was here in New Zealand to inspect the troops and fortifications in each District. This was to include the Public School Cadets and the Defence Cadets.
1911 SENIOR CADETS (LATER SCHOOL CADETS)
The Defence Act of 1909 created the Territorial Force, which was aimed at having a compulsory part-time force where civilians would be given basic military training. The goal was to have 27,000 Territorial 18-19yr olds, with another 38,000 cadets (Junior Cadets 12-14, and Senior Cadets 14-18yrs). The Senior Cadets were to feed into the General Training Section (18yrs-21yrs), until being in the Reserves from 21yrs- 30yrs.
Junior Cadets lasted just a short period from 1910 -1912. Senior Cadets thrived on the other hand, and became wide spread throughout NZ High Schools and Colleges. Many ex-Cadets went on to serve in WWI and then later in WWII. It became widely known as School Cadets and at its peak in the 1960’s, nearly 60,000 boys were in school cadets.
1985 First Open Cadet Corps Unit
Cadet Corps open units came into being in the 1980’s, starting with the City of Porirua Cadet Corps Unit on 1st Nov 1985.
These units were supported and run more like ATC and SCC units, complete with parent support committees, and being community based, could draw support and funding from their immediate community.
CITY OF GISBORNE CADET UNIT HISTORY
Air Marshal's Visit 1960
Vice-Marshal Calder stops in the inspection of cadets to speak to one of the smallest members, David Peach. LAMONT--AMOR.
ANZAC 1963
Mr F. S. Phillips, president of the R.S.A., address the Cadets
Gisborne Boys High School Cadet Unit
1965 PHOTONEWS
Defence Act 1971, Formation of NZCF
The 1971 Defence Act, established the NZCF, as a volunteer organisation, for which the Minister of Defence was responsible. The open units were required to be initiated and funded by the community and the Chief of Defence Force was authorised to “direct and supervise” the NZCF and provide military support which was initially confirmed as uniforms, training and some equipment at a cost of no greater than $400,000.
2014 Cadets celebrate being 150 years young
During January 2014, over 1,000 Cadets plus staff celebrated NZ Cadets being 150 years with a substantial 7 day camp based at Waiouru. Activities included flying (based at RNZAF Base Ohakea), shooting, tramping, mountain biking, RHIB boat rides (supported by RNZN) to name but a few. Later in 2014, all Cadet Forces Units (with the support of the RSA’s throughout NZ) organized and fully participated in the Armistice Day commemorations on 11th November.
New Zealand Cadet Forces Today
NZ Cadet Forces is New Zealand’s premier youth service based development organisation, offering a modern training program that includes firearm safety,
field craft, leadership, teamwork, community service and drill (to name just a few) plus weekend activities that include camps, and flying and sea based activities for Air Cadets and Sea Cadets, all within a framework that is safe and challenging.
It continues to run in partnership with NZDF and the community.
