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

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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!

09/06/2026

🎖️ Change of Appointment – Unit Warrant Officer 🎖️

Last Wednesday evening, we recognised the outstanding service of our outgoing Unit Warrant Officer, W/O Alex Gavin, as he formally handed over the role.

During his time as Unit Warrant Officer, W/O Gavin has done an exceptional job supporting and developing our NCO team. He has led significant improvements to the systems and processes our NCOs use, helping strengthen the way our Squadron operates and setting strong foundations for the future. His commitment, leadership, and hard work have made a lasting impact on 3SQN — thank you, W/O Gavin 👏

We are also incredibly pleased to announce the appointment of our new Unit Warrant Officer, W/O Stella Scahill.

W/O Scahill has already demonstrated strong leadership, commitment, and care for those around her, and we are excited to see her continue to grow and develop in this important role — leading our NCO team and helping guide the wider youth of our Squadron into the future.

We would also like to acknowledge the other candidates involved in the selection process. The standard was exceptionally high, and each candidate demonstrated impressive leadership, professionalism, and dedication to the Squadron. We are incredibly proud of the effort shown by all involved 💙

Congratulations, W/O Scahill — we look forward to seeing where your leadership journey takes you! 🚀

31/05/2026

🙏 A huge thank you to the Puketāpapa Local Board for their generous $3,000 grant towards the replacement of our gazebo roof covers and the lease costs for our storage unit.

With limited space at our Squadron HQ, having a secure storage unit is incredibly important. It provides us with a safe, dry, and clean place to store our bulk equipment, ensuring everything is kept together, protected, and ready for activities throughout the year 📦🏕️

Our gazebos are also a key part of many activities, providing shelter from the elements and acting as an important hub for administration, medical support, and operational coordination — helping keep our Cadets and staff safe, dry, and supported 🌦️⛺

Funding like this makes a real difference to our Squadron, helping us continue to deliver high-quality experiences for our young people while maintaining the equipment and infrastructure that supports our programmes.

Thank you again to the Puketāpapa Local Board for your valued support of our Squadron and local youth 🙌

28/05/2026

In May, we were incredibly grateful to receive $4,755 in funding from the Lottery Grants Board towards ration packs for our annual unit bushcraft camp — Ex Karamatura 🏕️

Having access to quality ration packs meant our Cadets and Staff were properly fuelled throughout the exercise, allowing them to fully focus on developing their bushcraft, fieldcraft, teamwork, and leadership skills in the outdoors.

Exercises like Ex Karamatura provide challenging and rewarding experiences that help build confidence, resilience, self-discipline, and comradeship among our cadets and staff.

Importantly, funding like this helps us keep what is an increasingly expensive activity affordable for our families, ensuring more young people can access these valuable opportunities and experiences.

A huge thank you to the Lottery Grants Board for supporting opportunities like this for our young people. We truly appreciate your generosity and ongoing support! 🙌

19/05/2026

🏆 Auckland ATC Sports Day 2026 🏆

On Sunday, we took part in the Auckland ATC Sports Day, seeing all seven Auckland Air Cadet Units come together for an awesome day of competition, teamwork, and squadron spirit across five sports — ⚽ football, 🏐 volleyball, 🏉 touch, 🏏 indoor cricket, and 💪 tug of war.

After a hard-fought day of competition, 3SQN proudly placed 3rd overall 🥉 — an outstanding achievement given the high level of competition across the day. Across all sports, our team secured 18 wins 🏅, and we couldn’t be prouder of the effort, resilience, and teamwork shown by every one of our cadets.

A massive congratulations to No 40 (Howick) Squadron, Air Training Corps for taking out the overall competition and a huge shoutout to 4SQN for planning and delivering such a fantastic event this year,

Well done to everyone involved — already looking forward to next year!

14/05/2026

🌿 Over the 1–3 May weekend, No. 3 (Auckland City) Squadron conducted Exercise Karamatura — our annual full-unit bushcraft exercise — with over 90 personnel attending across the weekend.

Set in the Waitākere Ranges, the exercise provided Cadets with the opportunity to develop and apply a wide range of fieldcraft, navigation, and survival skills in a challenging outdoor environment. 🧭

Basic I Flight completed a variety of introductory bushcraft and navigation activities throughout the weekend, including river crossing training and practical lessons focused on operating safely and effectively in the bush environment.

Basic II and Proficiency Flights were challenged further with advanced navigation exercises, CASEVAC scenarios, and shelter-building activities. After constructing their shelters during the day, Cadets then spent the night sleeping in them — putting their planning, teamwork, and fieldcraft skills to the test. 🌧️🌲🏕️

All personnel also had the opportunity to complete a day tramp through the ranges and take part in an exciting night exercise, which tested communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills under pressure.

Exercises like Karamatura play an important role in developing resilience, leadership, teamwork, and confidence within our Cadets, while also providing plenty of challenge, learning, and enjoyment along the way.

A huge thank you to the staff and NCOs who helped make the weekend a success. 👏

12/05/2026

📡 Earlier this year, F/S Theo Jolly was awarded the Top Radio Telephony Award on the NAC Power Flying Course in January 2026. As part of this achievement, F/S Jolly was awarded the opportunity to spend a day in Christchurch with Airways New Zealand at the National Radar Centre, gaining a unique behind-the-scenes insight into the world of Air Traffic Control. ✈️

Throughout the visit, F/S Jolly was exposed to the critical role Air Traffic Controllers play in managing New Zealand’s airspace, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of aircraft across the country. The experience also provided valuable exposure to aviation communications, radar operations, and the demanding operational environment of air traffic management, alongside time in the simulator where F/S Jolly was put through his paces in a live operational environment.

Opportunities like this provide Cadets with an incredible insight into the aviation industry and the many career pathways available beyond the cockpit.

We are extremely proud of F/S Jolly for representing both 3SQN and the NZCF to such a high standard throughout this outstanding opportunity. 🇳🇿

12/05/2026

✈️ During the April school holidays, F/S Cameron Moffat attended the RNZAF Immersion Course held at RNZAF Base Ohakea.

F/S Moffat was awarded direct entry onto this course after receiving the Chief of Air Force Prize for the top student on the NAC Power Flying Course in January 2026 — an outstanding accomplishment and recognition of his hard work and dedication. 🏆

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 as a pilot.

Week One was spent working alongside Central Flying School and 14 Squadron, where Cadets learnt about the RNZAF’s T-6C Texan II aircraft. This included approximately three one hour sessions 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 primary focus of the RNZAF Immersion Course is to expose Cadets to the life and training of an Air Force pilot, while also providing insight into some of the many supporting trades and operational roles that enable the RNZAF to operate effectively.

It is an incredibly unique opportunity, and we are extremely proud of F/S Moffat for representing both 3SQN and the NZCF to such a high standard throughout the course. 🇳🇿

08/05/2026

As communities across New Zealand came together to commemorate Anzac Day, members of No. 3 (Auckland City) Squadron were proud to support the Auckland Dawn Service at the Auckland Museum alongside the City of Auckland Army Cadets and Training Ship Achilles - Navy Cadets.

This year, two flights of Cadets from 3SQN, CACU and TS ACH took part in the Parade, representing both our Units and the wider New Zealand Cadet Forces with professionalism and pride throughout the commemorations.

A significant honour for our Squadron this year was being entrusted with displaying the flags of the Pacific nations during the service — a privilege that recognised the importance of the wider Pacific community in commemorating those who have served.

We were also incredibly proud to have SGT River Scott perform the Lament during the commemoration of the fallen. To provide the lone piper for such a significant occasion was a tremendous honour for SGT Scott, our Squadron, and the wider NZCF community.

Thank you to all Cadets and staff who contributed to ensuring the spirit of Anzac Day continues to be remembered and respected by future generations.

Lest we forget. 🇳🇿🇦🇺

08/05/2026

3 Squadron was honoured to assist the Auckland RSA with setting up the Field Of Remembrance at the Auckland Museum over the Anzac commemoration period.

These crosses represent the significant loss of life during battle and is an emotional process setting them up knowing that each cross represents over 100 people. Our team really felt the emotion. Reading the names on each cross and knowing that families lost a children, siblings or spouses.

07/05/2026

We’re so grateful to Pub Charity Limited for their incredibly generous $6,500 contribution towards the rent for our headquarters at St David’s in the Fields. This funding covers our rent from March 2026 until December 2026.

This support isn’t just about keeping a roof over our heads — it’s about giving young people the chance to take on challenges, grow their skills, and discover their potential within a unique military framework.

Because of your generosity, we can keep creating those challenging, enjoyable, and unique opportunities that help shape tomorrow’s leaders. From confidence‑building activities to community projects, your support keeps it all possible.

From all of us here at 3 SQN — thank you! ❤️

Address

202 Hillsborough Road, Hillsborough
Auckland
1042

Opening Hours

6pm - 9pm

Website

http://www.3squadron.org.nz/

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

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