No. 3 (Auckland City) Squadron, Air Training Corps

No. 3 (Auckland City) Squadron, Air Training Corps No. 3 (Auckland City) Squadron, Air Training Corps It is part of the NZ Cadet Forces which has over 4500 cadets throughout the country.

The Air Training Corps is a voluntary, disciplined, uniformed training organisation for young individuals over 13 years of age. Established in 1941, 3 Squadron is Auckland's Oldest Air Training Corps Unit and we have a proud history in producing leaders within the community. Please visit our website (3squadron.org.nz) to find out more about us!

🛩️ What an incredible journey! OFFCDT Alex Gavin recently returned from the 2026 International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE)...
27/09/2026

🛩️ What an incredible journey! OFFCDT Alex Gavin recently returned from the 2026 International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) in Germany, and his post-activity report highlights a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Over two action-packed weeks in July, Alex and his fellow cadets explored the very best of German aviation, history, and culture.

The aviation highlights were nothing short of spectacular! 🚁 The Cadets got up close with German Eurofighters, toured the massive Lufthansa Technik hangars (even stepping into the cockpit of an A380!), and took thrilling flights in vintage aircraft and gliders. One of the most unforgettable moments was riding in the cockpit of a Luftwaffe A400M cargo plane during takeoff! They also learned about the maintenance of the New Zealand Air Force’s P-8A Poseidon fleet and visited a police helicopter unit.

Beyond aviation, the exchange offered profound cultural experiences, from a sobering and humbling visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp to hiking near the beautiful Neuschwanstein Castle. 🏰

This incredible trip wouldn't have been possible without massive support. A huge thank you to the Chief of Defence Force, the Air Training Corps Association NZ, Bunnings Grey Lynn for fundraising support, and all the family, friends, and exchange Officers who helped make this dream a reality! 🇳🇿🇩🇪

Op Missing in Action!🕵️‍♀️🕵️‍♂️After spending the term learning the ins and outs of planning and running a Cadet activit...
27/09/2026

Op Missing in Action!🕵️‍♀️🕵️‍♂️

After spending the term learning the ins and outs of planning and running a Cadet activity, our Advanced Flight Cadets finally put their skills to the test!

With support from our Officers, they took charge of the planning, logistics, paperwork and activity design, creating an action-packed day for our Cadets at Cornwall Park on 12 September.

Four teams were thrown into a fictional kidnapping scenario, with the mission to work together, solve clues and uncover the identity of the suspect. The morning featured a series of rotating stations, testing skills including first aid and bushcraft, before teams headed out across the park in the afternoon for an exciting rogaine.

With clues to decode, information to collect and suspects to narrow down, teamwork and problem-solving were key to cracking the case.

🏆 Team Pistachios and Honey came out on top, being the first team to locate the missing person and correctly identify the suspect!

A huge well done to everyone who took part, and especially to our Advanced Flight Cadets for successfully planning and running their first activity.

From the planning room to the field, you did an awesome job! Well done. 👏

🌺 Battle of Britain Commemorative Parade 2026 🇳🇿On Sunday, 20 September, No. 3 (Auckland City) Squadron proudly particip...
23/09/2026

🌺 Battle of Britain Commemorative Parade 2026 🇳🇿

On Sunday, 20 September, No. 3 (Auckland City) Squadron proudly participated in the annual Battle of Britain Commemorative Parade, held at the Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph.

This year's Parade held special significance as we also celebrated the 85th anniversary of the Air Training Corps, recognising 85 years of developing young New Zealanders through aviation, leadership, and service.

Once again, Auckland's weather decided to make things interesting! Strong winds provided some challenging conditions throughout the parade, but our Cadets maintained their composure, discipline, and professionalism, representing 3 SQN to an exceptionally high standard.

Commemorative events such as these are an important part of our Squadron's commitment to remembering those who served and sacrificed, while ensuring their stories and legacy continue to be passed on to future generations.

We are incredibly proud of every Cadet who took part, particularly after such a significant weekend for our Squadron, having celebrated our own 85th anniversary and Change of Command the day before.

Well done, team — an outstanding effort and a fitting way to conclude a very special weekend for 3 SQN.

Lest we forget. 🌺

🏅 A very special recognition for 3 SQN!We’re incredibly proud to share that Officer Cadet Alex Gavin, Officer Cadet Theo...
04/09/2026

🏅 A very special recognition for 3 SQN!

We’re incredibly proud to share that Officer Cadet Alex Gavin, Officer Cadet Theo Jolly, and Flight Sergeant Chloe Laury have each been awarded a Commandant’s Commendation for their actions during the rescue of five swimmers at Bethells Beach in November 2025.

At the time of the incident, Officer Cadet Gavin was a Cadet Warrant Officer, Officer Cadet Jolly was a Flight Sergeant, and Flight Sergeant Laury was a Sergeant. All three put themselves into an incredibly high-risk situation in an effort to help someone else, demonstrating exceptional courage, initiative, selflessness and composure when it mattered most.

A special shout-out also goes to the rest of our Skills Team who were there that day, helping with the event and supporting the response. Their teamwork and willingness to step up and help played an important part in ensuring everyone was looked after until emergency services arrived.

It’s a great example of what being part of a team is all about — everyone playing their part when it mattered.

We are incredibly proud of the whole team. Congratulations to Gavin, Laury and Jolly on this very well-deserved recognition! 👏✈️

✈️ A Special Visit to 3SQN! 🇳🇿Last Wednesday evening we had the privilege of welcoming the Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-...
31/08/2026

✈️ A Special Visit to 3SQN! 🇳🇿

Last Wednesday evening we had the privilege of welcoming the Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb, and Warrant Officer of the Air Force, Warrant Officer Guy Lipsham, to 3SQN for a visit.

It was an awesome opportunity to host two of the most senior leaders of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, share a little of what we get up to at 3SQN, and give them the chance to spend some time meeting and chatting with our Cadets.

For our Cadets, opportunities like this provide a valuable chance to connect with senior leaders, hear about their experiences, and gain an insight into leadership within the RNZAF. It was fantastic to see our Cadets engaging with both AVM Webb and WOAF Lipsham and making the most of the opportunity.

A huge thank you to both AVM Webb and WOAF Lipsham for taking the time to visit us. It was a privilege to have you at 3SQN, and certainly a visit we won’t forget! ✈️🇳🇿

🦉 EXERCISE WISE OWL ✈️On the 15 August, our Cadets had an awesome opportunity to get up close with the T-6C Texan II as ...
31/08/2026

🦉 EXERCISE WISE OWL ✈️

On the 15 August, our Cadets had an awesome opportunity to get up close with the T-6C Texan II as the RNZAF’s Exercise Wise Owl team operated out of Auckland.

Wise Owl is part of the RNZAF’s pilot training programme, giving trainee pilots the opportunity to develop their flying skills in a different environment. While they were in Auckland, the team took the time to welcome our Cadets and give us a closer look at the aircraft, their training, and life as an RNZAF pilot.

We were also lucky to have No. 3 Squadron, RNZAF, in Auckland, who took the opportunity to show our Cadets around and share more about their role and operations.

For our Cadets, it was a fantastic opportunity to connect with serving members of the RNZAF, ask questions, and get a behind-the-scenes look at military aviation. These experiences are a great way to connect what we teach at 3SQN with the opportunities that exist within the wider Defence Force. 🇳🇿

A huge thank you to everyone involved for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience with us. It was an awesome day! 🦉✈️

✈️ Air Immersion Activity | RNZAF Base Ōhakea 🇳🇿In the last School Holidays, CDT Paliakou had the opportunity to take pa...
20/08/2026

✈️ Air Immersion Activity | RNZAF Base Ōhakea 🇳🇿

In the last School Holidays, CDT Paliakou had the opportunity to take part in the Air Immersion Activity at RNZAF Base Ōhakea, spending five days living on base alongside Cadets from Squadrons across the country.

Throughout the week, she experienced what life in the Air Force is really like staying in the barracks, eating in the mess and taking part in a range of hands-on activities. From the helicopter loadmaster simulator and exploring aircraft, to putting out fires and learning how to safely handle and reassemble different fi****ms, there was plenty to experience.

CDT Paliakou also had the opportunity to hear from serving personnel about the different trades and career pathways available, as well as gaining an insight into the enlistment process and what to expect from recruit course.

It was an incredible opportunity to experience Air Force life firsthand, build new connections and gain a better understanding of the opportunities available beyond cadets.

We highly encourage other cadets to put their names forward when the opportunity arises — it’s an experience not to be missed! ✈️🇳🇿

Basic I Tramp 🥾🧭🌿Our Basic I Cadets headed out for a tramp, taking on the challenge while putting their navigation skill...
20/08/2026

Basic I Tramp 🥾🧭🌿

Our Basic I Cadets headed out for a tramp, taking on the challenge while putting their navigation skills to the test! Along the way, Cadets practiced map reading, following routes and working together to find their way through the track.

It was a great opportunity to build confidence, teamwork and resilience while getting out into the outdoors. Plenty of steps, and a great day of learning along the way! ⛰️💪

✈️🏆 3 SQN TAKES OUT THE NORTHERN AREA AVIATION SKILLS COMPETITION! 🏆✈️Last weekend, 3 SQN proudly sent a team of 10 cade...
14/08/2026

✈️🏆 3 SQN TAKES OUT THE NORTHERN AREA AVIATION SKILLS COMPETITION! 🏆✈️

Last weekend, 3 SQN proudly sent a team of 10 cadets and NCOs to compete in the annual Northern Area Aviation Skills Competition, alongside 8 other teams across 11 challenging disciplines.

After months of hard work and preparation, our team delivered an outstanding performance, taking out 1st place in 5 stands:

🥇 Drill – 40 SQN Drill Trophy (our first win since 2014!)
🥇 Swim Test
🥇 CFK/GSK
🥇 MED/CASEVAC
🥇 14x14 Tent Assembly

The team’s success is a reflection of the incredible commitment shown by our cadets and staff. Training kicked off in March, with weekly training sessions from April onwards, alongside four weekend activities dedicated to preparing for competition.

The competition was not only a chance to put months of training and practice to the test, but also a fantastic opportunity for our cadets to challenge themselves, build confidence and reconnect with cadets from across the Northern Area.

We couldn’t be prouder of every member of the team and the dedication they showed throughout the entire competition season. 👏

But the journey doesn’t stop here…

🇳🇿 Next stop: Woodbourne! 🇳🇿

At the end of October, our team will head to the National Aviation Skills Competition, where they will proudly represent 3 SQN and defend their National title.

Congratulations to our incredible team you’ve made 3 SQN proud! 💙✈️🏆

Earlier this year, SGT Luo was awarded the RNZAF Navigation Award for Top Student on the NAC Navigation course in Januar...
12/08/2026

Earlier this year, SGT Luo was awarded the RNZAF Navigation Award for Top Student on the NAC Navigation course in January 2026. As part of this achievement, SGT Luo had the incredible opportunity to accompany 40 SQN on one of their Scheduled Air Transport Services (SATS). This involved spending the day in a C130J Hercules flying to bases across the country and getting a firsthand look into these operational flights. She had the chance to get familiar with the many technical capabilities of the C130J, and spend plenty of time in both the flight deck and cargo bay. A highlight was learning more about the different aircrew roles from the awesome personnel on board, and hearing about their pathways through the NZDF. A huge thank you to 40 SQN for allowing SGT Luo to take part in this amazing experience!

Address

202 Hillsborough Road, Hillsborough
Auckland
1042

Opening Hours

6pm - 9pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when No. 3 (Auckland City) Squadron, Air Training Corps posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to No. 3 (Auckland City) Squadron, Air Training Corps:

Shortcuts

Share

Category