Who We Are

To develop and enable self-disciplined, confident and responsible young New Zealanders.

The New Zealand Cadet Forces (NZCF) is a disciplined, uniformed organisation which provides military-based leadership, personal development and training to persons aged between 13 and 19 years old.

Preparing New Zealand's successful leaders of tomorrow.

The New Zealand Cadet Forces (NZCF) core values are Comradeship, Commitment, Courage, and Integrity with the aim to foster a spirit of adventure and teamwork, and to develop those qualities of mind and body for good citizens and leaders. 

We meet at 160 The Esplanade every Thursday, 6:20pm - 9:10pm.

On the average parade night, our Cadets will learn ropeskills, seamanship, Firearms Handling and Leadership Skills. 

Every Navy Parade Night, start with a Colours Ceremony

Being uniquely located in the Wellington Region, the Navy Cadets are regularly invited onboard Active and Operational Naval Vessels from both the Royal New Zealand Navy, and International Naval Forces. These opportunities fill up quick, and arent always open for general public to visit. 

Sailing is one of the quickest and most enjoyable ways for youth to learn and become part of a functional team. Every position on the boat has a unique job that ensures the successful operation throughout the voyage (big and small). Once the Cadets have gained enough skills and knowledge, they will become eligable to attend a Coxswain Course (Boat Skipper), where they will then be responsible for training and ensuring the safety of the boat whilst its underway. 

From the get go, our Cadets are introduced and taught how to rig a crown and RS Feva for sailing, our Coxswains oversee this to ensure that the boats are sea worthy and ready for the day ahead. In conjuction with rigging, our Cadets will undertake basic seamanship skills, which will further enhance their leadership and teamwork abilities. 

Learn how to find your way on the water using navigation and chart work skills. From reading nautical charts and plotting courses to understanding tides, bearings, and compass use, cadets gain the knowledge and confidence to plan and navigate safely at sea. Its a handon and practical form of learning that dates back centuries, and how cadets are apart of that history. 

Regattas are where Navy Cadets bring the energy and the excellence! These aren’t just competitions—they’re full-throttle showcases of skill, teamwork, and sheer determination. Cadets compete in pulling, sailing challenges, Chartwork and Navigation. Proving what months and even a years worth of training can result in for the winning team. The vibe? Electric. The commitment? Unshakable. Whether you're steering the boat or shouting support from the shore, regattas are a celebration of spirit, seamanship, and the thrill of being a part of something bigger than yourself.