No. 23 Nelson Squadron, Air Training Corps

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No. 23 Nelson Squadron, Air Training Corps

A voluntary, uniformed, disciplined organisation for NZ youth aged 13–18. While here you’ll get a chance at; Leadership, Aviation, Camping, NZDF Visits +

Members of 23 Squadron gain:
- Self-discipline
- Increased confidence
- Leadership ability
- A wide range of practical skills (check out what we get up to in our Timeline!)
- Exposure to the NZ Defence Force and careers in aviation or the emergency services
- Lifelong friends from across the country
- Oppurtunities to travel across NZ and internationally
- More that we don't have space to list her

e...

We recruit at the begining of each calendar year. You need to be 13 (or in Year 9) or 14 years of age in March to join. If you are interested in joining or have any questions don't hesitate to get in touch either here or through our website.

17/05/2026

Who's keen for a quiz night!

We've got a fundraiser quiz night at the Sprig & Fern - The Meadows coming up on Tuesday the 26th of May.

Check the poster below for details

29/04/2026

As we reflect on the 111th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, we pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the ANZACs as well as those who have served our country more recently.

Our cadets were proud to represent our unit across multiple Anzac Day commemorations, standing alongside veterans, current serving personnel, and our wider community to honour those who served and sacrificed.

We supported the Nelson Dawn Service, as well as the later services at Marsden Valley, Nelson Cathedral, and Richmond. Our Cadets and Officers showing professionalism, respect, and commitment throughout the day. Anzac Day reminds us not only of the legacy of those who came before us, but also of the responsibility we carry to remember what they sacrificed for us.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

E kore rātou e kaumātuatia
Pēnei i a tātou kua mahue nei
E kore hoki rātou e ngoikore
Ahakoa pēhea i ngā āhuatanga o te wā
I te hekenga atu o te rā
Tae noa ki te aranga mai i te ata
Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou.

Well done to all of our cadets and everyone else who commemorated Anzac Day and everything it honours. The future is strong—built on respect for the past and service to others.

Lest we forget

27/03/2026

This week, we had the privilege of formally recognising our newly appointed Warrant Officer, W/O M. McKeever. Her promotion reflects a sustained commitment to leadership, professionalism, and service to the unit.

A Warrant Officer is the senior cadet leader within a unit, responsible for setting standards, mentoring junior cadets, and supporting staff in maintaining discipline, training, and overall unit effectiveness. We look forward to the continued impact she will have within the squadron in this role.

We also acknowledge Officer Cadet Velluppillai, our previous Warrant Officer, and thank him for his outstanding service to the squadron. His professionalism, leadership, and dedication have made a significant contribution to the unit. As he takes the first step towards becoming an officer, we wish him all the best and look forward to his continued development.

The evening also marked the first visit of Sergeant Finch, our Royal New Zealand Air Force advisor to No. 23 Squadron. She is part of the wider New Zealand Defence Force team that supports our activities and manages area courses our cadets attend, including the National Aviation Course, gliding, and leadership courses.

We were also pleased to host Southern Area Warrant Officer Bell, a former Squadron Warrant Officer of the unit. In his current role, he mentors Squadron Warrant Officers across the South Island. During his visit, he also provided valuable support to our Proficiency Flight as they begin planning their first activity.

Overall, it was another excellent evening, reflecting the strong leadership, teamwork, and professionalism present across the squadron.

Congratulations again to Warrant Officer McKeever and Officer Cadet Velluppillai. We look forward to seeing what they achieve in their next chapters.

09/03/2026

Celebrating International Women's Day
--Limited Spaces Still Available--
The opportunities that young women have stepping into an organization allowing them to explore aviation, adventure, or trying something different is unlike anything else available.
If you are aged 13 or 14 (or in Year 9)?
Nelson’s Air Cadets has limited spaces available for you to explore the world of cadets.
As a cadet, you’ll take part in aviation, leadership, bushcraft, teamwork, marksmanship, marching, and plenty of challenges that build confidence and skills for life. You’ll also get the opportunity to visit military bases and take part in regional, national and international activities alongside cadets from across New Zealand and abroad.
We’re part of New Zealand’s oldest youth organization, offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences, personal development, and leadership opportunities in a structured, military-based environment — while still having fun and making great friends along the way.

Time is tight, so please reach out to meet our staff and cadets, and see if Air Cadets is right for you.
📨Email: [email protected]

Thank you to all the women, past and present who have shaped 23 Squadron and New Zealand Cadet Forces to the organization we are today.
We cannot wait to see what the next generation of women in cadets will accomplish.

05/03/2026

Good Luck Findley! We wish you well.

21/02/2026

OPEN DAY TOMORROW
SUNDAY 22ND FEBRUARY

Into aviation, adventure, or trying something different?
Aged 13 or 14 (or in Year 9 or 10) in 2026?
Nelson’s Air Cadets is now recruiting for our yearly intake and space is limited, so get in quick to find out what being a cadet is all about.
As a cadet, you’ll take part in aviation, leadership, bushcraft, teamwork, rifle shooting, marching, and plenty of challenges that build confidence and skills for life. You’ll also get the opportunity to visit military bases and take part in regional, national and international activities alongside cadets from across New Zealand and abroad.
We’re part of New Zealand’s oldest youth organization, offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences, personal development, and leadership opportunities in a structured, military-based environment — while still having fun and making great friends along the way.
Come along to one of our recruitment tours to check out our unit, meet our staff and cadets, and see if Air Cadets is right for you.
Tour Dates & Times – 2026
• Sunday, 22 February – 11:00 am and 1:00 pm
• Wednesday, 25 February – 7:00 pm
📍 23 Squadron HQ
1 Dakota Street, Nelson Airport, Nelson
🌐 Find out more: https://23sqn.org.nz/

16/02/2026

Into aviation, adventure, or trying something different?
Aged 13 or 14 (or in Year 9 or 10) in 2026?
Nelson’s Air Cadets is now recruiting for our yearly intake and space is limited, so get in quick to find out what being a cadet is all about.
As a cadet, you’ll take part in aviation, leadership, bushcraft, teamwork, rifle shooting, marching, and plenty of challenges that build confidence and skills for life. You’ll also get the opportunity to visit military bases and take part in regional, national and international activities alongside cadets from across New Zealand and abroad.
We’re part of New Zealand’s oldest youth organization, offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences, personal development, and leadership opportunities in a structured, military-based environment — while still having fun and making great friends along the way.
Come along to one of our recruitment tours to check out our unit, meet our staff and cadets, and see if Air Cadets is right for you.
Tour Dates & Times – 2026
• Sunday, 22 February – 11:00 am and 1:00 pm
• Wednesday, 25 February – 7:00 pm
📍 23 Squadron HQ
1 Dakota Street, Nelson Airport, Nelson
🌐 Find out more: https://23sqn.org.nz/

09/02/2026

Into aviation, adventure, or trying something different?
Aged 13 or 14 (or in Year 9 or 10) in 2026?

Nelson’s Air Cadets is now recruiting for our yearly intake and space is limited, so get in quick to find out what being a cadet is all about.

As a cadet, you’ll take part in aviation, leadership, bushcraft, teamwork, rifle shooting, marching, and plenty of challenges that build confidence and skills for life. You’ll also get the opportunity to visit military bases and take part in regional, national and international activities alongside cadets from across New Zealand and abroad.

We’re part of New Zealand’s oldest youth organization, offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences, personal development, and leadership opportunities in a structured, military-based environment — while still having fun and making great friends along the way.

Come along to one of our recruitment tours to check out our unit, meet our staff and cadets, and see if Air Cadets is right for you.

Tour Dates & Times – 2026
• Sunday, 22 February – 11:00 am and 1:00 pm
• Wednesday, 25 February – 7:00 pm

📍 23 Squadron HQ
1 Dakota Street, Nelson Airport, Nelson

🌐 Find out more: https://23sqn.org.nz/

Address

Dakota Street
Nelson
7010

Opening Hours

9am - 5pm

Website

https://23sqn.org.nz/

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