Training Ship Achilles - Navy Cadets

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Training Ship Achilles - Navy Cadets

Training Ship ACHILLES is a Navy Cadet unit of the New Zealand Cadet Forces.

06/08/2026

Upskilling Our Staff 💪⚓

Last weekend, TS ACHILLES Staff and Senior Rates took to the water for a day of powerboat training, building the skills needed to safely support on water activities.

Training covered:
• Small boat drills and manoeuvres
• Post care and maintenance
• Emergency procedures
• Safe transport

Regular training like this ensures our staff are confident and capable on support vessels, helping us provide a safe environment for the cadets.

03/08/2026

⭐ Ex Star Sailing ⭐

As part of the Year 4 training programme, our senior cadets are tasked with planning and delivering an activity for the unit. Following a unit-wide vote, they chose to run a Night Sailing exercise.

The Year 3 cadets took ownership of the event from start to finish. Under the guidance of the Training Officer, they completed the required paperwork, developed the training plan, prepared a budget, and led the activity.

Cadets arrived at the unit in the afternoon and began with lessons on night navigation and the significance of Matariki. Once boat prep was complete, the crowns were launched and crews headed out onto the water.

The wind was surprisingly high and so the evening turned competitive with a series of races, however the dark made it feel a bit more hide-and-seek with the buoys.

Cadets returned ashore just before midnight for a well-earned hot Milo before tackling everyone’s favourite part of the evening: boat wash down.

Bravo Zulu year 4’s! 🤩

16/05/2026

Interdivisional Day! 🏆

This weekend our Warrant Officer organised and hosted our annual Interdivisional Competition.

The cadets started out with a rigging competition then a race over to Torpedo Bay complete with a bingo card of things to find along the way.

The evening was our highly anticipated Masterchef competition.
Ajax and Exeter battled it out with a three course meal, outstanding service and entertainment for our judges.

The standard continues to rise each year, Exeter presented a theatrical rendition of The Battle of the River Plate and a replication of the meal served to HMS Achilles on their return to NZ.

Ajax produced some culinary master pieces and we were treated to 3 performances by the “Young Spice Boys”

The scores are in but the winner hasn’t been announced yet - stay tuned for prize giving on Thursday night!

28/04/2026

Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou. 🇳🇿🇦🇺
We will remember them.

TS ACHILLES commemorated Anzac Day for 2026 by participating in three services, Dawn Service at the Auckland War Memorial, cenotaph at St Heliers Civic Service and for the first time, Civic Service at the Waiheke RSA.

Waiheke RSA has not had cadets parade with them before so this was a special opportunity. Special thank you to Fullers360 for their support in getting our cadets over to the island.

It was a privilege to be involved in all three services. Bravo Zulu to all the cadets for your dedication and excellent turn out.

25/03/2026

Swim test! 🏊‍♀️🌊

Last week at TS ACHILLES, our cadets took on the annual swim test, a key aspect in building confidence and safety on the water.

Split into groups and led by JNCOs, cadets swam out to demonstrate essential sea survival techniques, including the self-help position, huddling, and group swimming techniques.

They then faced one of the most challenging parts: entering the air pocket of an upturned crown. A daunting task for many, but a vital skill that could make all the difference in a real capsize situation.

To finish, cadets completed a 50m swim back to the wharf before heading back to the unit to warm up with a well-earned hot chocolate.

Bravo Zulu to all cadets who stepped up and successfully completed the test! 💪

14/03/2026

Ships Company Seamanship Race!

Last Thursday, TS ACHILLES divided into our two divisions, Ajax and Exeter, and competed in a relay Seamanship Race that required an on water crew swap using the kayaks.

Cadets utilised their seamanship skills such as pulling, rigging, sailing and anchoring in order to get their whole team through the course.

Bravo Zulu to Ajax who took out the competition by a hair! 🎉

17/02/2026

Thinking about joining Navy Cadets?

Come along to our Open Day and experience TS ACHILLES in action! Families and prospective recruits are invited to come down to the beach, meet our team, and get a snapshot of the exciting opportunities we offer — from sailing and kayaking to leadership and teamwork development.

📍 Location: Ōkahu Bay Beach
📅 Date: Saturday 21 February 2026
⏰ Open Day: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM

New recruits are welcome to join in on some on-water activities during the session if they would like. (conditions and permissions permitting).

This is a great chance to come down ask some questions, and see firsthand what cadets is all about!

06/01/2026

Final Parade and Prizegiving 2025 🏆

At the conclusion of last year, TS ACHILLES held our annual Final Parade and Prizegiving, marking the end of the training year. We were honoured to be joined by our Reviewing Officer, Lieutenant Commander Sarah Campbell, RNZN, Officer Commanding Youth Development Unit North, as well as the Commandant of the New Zealand Cadet Forces, Wing Commander Bruce Creedy, RNZAF.

The evening also included a Change of Command Ceremony, with the role of Warrant Officer of the Unit formally handed over from WOCDT Oliver Moors to WOCDT Alex Vowles. We thank WOCDT Moors for his service in the role and congratulate him on his promotion to Officer Cadet.

We were proud to see LT Jon Bones awarded his Cadet Forces Medal by the Commandant, recognising his dedicated service to the Cadet Forces.

The parade night was also a significant moment as we farewelled CPOCDT Foley on his final parade night with TS ACHILLES. We thank him for his outstanding commitment and contribution to the unit and wish him all the very best for the future.

All cadets performed exceptionally well on parade, and we extend our congratulations to all prize winners for their hard work and achievements throughout the year. An outstanding effort by all, Bravo Zulu! 🎉

05/01/2026

Whanganui River Journey! 🛶

Before 2025 closed out, cadets from TS ACHILLES took on the Whanganui River once again, paddling 88km from Whakahoro to Pipiriki, taking on one of New Zealand’s Great Walks.

Over the course of three days and two nights, they faced gnarly rapids, stayed in DOC huts, and soaked in the stunning scenery. On the second day, they gave their arms a rest and hiked to the Bridge to Nowhere.

A huge thank you to Taumarunui Canoe Hire and Jet Boat Tours for kitting us out and making sure the journey went smoothly!

19/11/2025

Dare to take the Challenge with TS ACHILLES Navy Cadets — RECRUITING NOW FOR 2026

Open to youth aged 13 -15 or from school year 9

⚓ Participate in leadership and development camps over school holidays
⚓ Experience the Royal New Zealand Navy up close, with ship visits and activities
⚓ Enhance your teamwork and leadership skills with our training programme
⚓ Develop marksmanship skills with r***e shooting
⚓ Complete the Duke of Edinburgh award programme up to Gold level
⚓ Learn to sail and race in our competitive sailing regattas in various classes

All through the military framework of the NZ Cadet Forces.

Visit us on our open night;
When: Thursday 27th November
Time: 1900-2000
Where: 19 Tāmaki Drive, Ōkahu Bay.

Parents welcome. Come in casual clothes, ready for some fun!

More information is available at our website: www.achilles.org.nz

Address

19 Tamaki Drive
Auckland
1071

Opening Hours

6:30pm - 9:15pm

Website

http://www.navycadets.org.nz/

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