Whangarei Army Cadets

Whangarei Army Cadets This page is designed for those who wish to keep up with what the Whangarei Army Cadet Unit

Well thankyou to the Mid Western Lions who operate and manage the Tangihua Lodge.Over the weekend of the 11-13 September...
20/09/2026

Well thankyou to the Mid Western Lions who operate and manage the Tangihua Lodge.

Over the weekend of the 11-13 September we had the privilege of being the FIRST users of their revamped and re-invigorated site, along with being the first users to use the AMAZING new deck in anger!

We had a bushcraft training weekend with Whangarei Air Cadets - No 20 Squadron ATC and what a weekend it was.

From day exercies implementing practical training in hiking, emergency shelters, first aid, CASEVAC, map reading, navigation and leadership, to night exercises in the Burma trail, and finally Corps specific training learning and practising skills in patrolling, reconnaissance, infiltration and information gathering - the brand new deck was pivotal in allowing an amazing briefing space for 40+ cadets - as well as a great end of camp photo.

Thank you again to Whangarei Lions for the work you VOLUNTEERS have put in - and as volunteers ourselves we know what that means ;)

See you next time - and heres some photos of the venue in use!

Over the weekend of 28-30th August, 14 Cadets and NCO's from across Northland (Whangarei, Dargaville, KeriKeri, and Kait...
08/09/2026

Over the weekend of 28-30th August, 14 Cadets and NCO's from across Northland (Whangarei, Dargaville, KeriKeri, and Kaitaia) came together to participate in the 2nd Regional Northland Drone Course in the attempt to become proficient in safely Flying the NZCF Drone and demonstrating compliance with NZ CAA rules around flying unmanned aircraft in shared airspace.

It was an intense weekend for all, and the 6 Officer and NCO staff that delivered training and coached the attendees, definitely knew they'd been working by the end of it!

Through Grit and determination all 14 students qualified as safe to fly in NZ Airspace, with 4 becoming qualified to fly in First Person View (VR headset / goggles).

It has been a fantastic experience to be involved in and we thank the NZDF / NZCF for providing the 20 sets of Tinyhawk 3 Plus drones for use at unit level.

Bring on the next courses!!!

Many times, the NZCF have the opportunity to showcase their heritage, diversity and inclusivivity.A number of years ago ...
19/08/2026

Many times, the NZCF have the opportunity to showcase their heritage, diversity and inclusivivity.

A number of years ago the NZCF developed their own personalised Haka for CF members to use instead of the traditional All Blacks Haka that is so well known.

Our Whangarei units have not learned or performed this, perhaps ever, and our recent Marae Weekend provided the opportunity to learn this in a culturally appropriate setting to become fully immersed with its significance.

FInd below some photos of the prep work done by our cadets, noting that the Officers only provided the venue, and all teaching was taken on by 2nd year cadets who stepped up to deliver the traiing and lead the performance!

So congratulations to CDT Hall and CDT Sterling who led the Female and Male practises, and to CDT Sterling for taking the lead at the final delivery.

So - find attached our FIRST EVER performance of the NZCF Haka in rrecent ages.

We acknowledge its not perfect, and there is work to do - but from learning on a Saturday to performing on Sunday afternoon and considering the other activities completed over the weekend.- the Cadets and NCO's involved did an amazing job.

Enjoy!

Well, what a weekend we had recently!Over the weekend of 6-8 August, No 20 SQN and WhanDCU attended our Inaugural reside...
19/08/2026

Well, what a weekend we had recently!

Over the weekend of 6-8 August, No 20 SQN and WhanDCU attended our Inaugural residential Marae stay weekend @ Northtec Marae, where we covered operational lessons, leadership training, learning the NZCF Haka and the highlight of the weekend was that we had the privelege of attending our first formal dine in for over a decade.

With both units attending, thankfully Whangarei Navy Cadets - Training Ship Diomedede came on board and provided wait-staff to setup and serve the meals - and a great job they did BTW!!!

Fantastically supported by the USC who prepared meals all weekend and an AMAZING 3 course meal (check out the menu!), we look forwards to repeating this occasion and making it an annual event, to bring back traditions of our parent corps and provide an experience that can only occur within the ranks of military organisations.

Well here it is !!!A great opportunity for a fantastically fun night - either creating your own memories or reliving you...
12/07/2026

Well here it is !!!

A great opportunity for a fantastically fun night - either creating your own memories or reliving your own!

Whangarei Air and Army Cadets are running an 80s themed Roller Disco for Fundraising for our amazing youth on the 25th July that is open to the public.

If this sounds like a bit of you, gets your wheels on and click the link below to buy your tickets as they are selling fast!

https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/80s-roller-disco-fundraiser-for-cadet-forces-whangarei/whangarei-district

09/07/2026

Term 2 Wrap-Up ✨
What an outstanding Term 2 for our cadets!

This term was packed with opportunities for learning, leadership, challenge, and growth. Cadets developed their skills across a wide range of subjects including navigation, fieldcraft, drill, first aid, radio communications, military knowledge, teamwork, and leadership.
Throughout the term, cadets learned how to use a compass, plot and convert bearings, complete navigation exercises, operate radios, apply buddy first aid, and understand the importance of safety and discipline in all activities. Leadership training saw cadets practising coaching and mentoring, leading small teams, conducting field-based tasks, and developing their presentation and communication skills.

A major highlight was our Basic Bushcraft Course, where cadets put their classroom learning into practice. Activities included shelter building, campcraft, outdoor cooking, survival skills, navigation tasks, teamwork exercises, and field leadership challenges. The course provided valuable hands-on experience and encouraged resilience, self-reliance, and confidence in the outdoors.

Several cadets also had the opportunity to participate in a Drone Operators Course, gaining experience with drone technology, aviation safety, flight planning, and practical flying skills. It was a fantastic introduction to emerging technology and aviation-related opportunities.

Another exciting milestone for many of our cadets was participating in their first Basic Shoot. For a number of first-time users, this was their introduction to marksmanship and range safety. Cadets learned safe handling procedures, range practices, and fundamental shooting skills, demonstrating excellent focus, discipline, and maturity throughout the activity.

We were also proud to support and participate in important community commemorations during ANZAC Day and Poppy Day, honouring the service and sacrifice of those who have served our nation. Our cadets represented the unit with pride, professionalism, and respect, reflecting the values of the New Zealand Cadet Forces.
A huge thank you to our staff, volunteers, supporters, and families who continue to make these opportunities possible.

Most importantly, congratulations to all our cadets for the commitment, enthusiasm, and determination you have shown throughout the term. The skills, friendships, and experiences gained this term will continue to support your development both within the NZCF and beyond.

We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved and look forward to an even bigger and better Term 3!

Over the weekend of 5-7 June, Whangarei Cadets had the privilege of running the first Regional NA Drone Operators course...
15/06/2026

Over the weekend of 5-7 June, Whangarei Cadets had the privilege of running the first Regional NA Drone Operators course.

Seven Officers and NCO's assembled at Northtec on Friday night as Students, set to learn not only the practicality of Drone flight, but more importantly the rules and regulations that ALL drone operators should be flying under while in NZ airspace - that we share with powered craft.

Such as -

- CAA CAR's 71, 101 and 102
- Safe charging and maintenance of Li Po batteries
- Key components of Drones
- Differences in Frequencies for both Control and Camera feeds
- Care, maintenance and flight characteristics of the NZCF drone - the E-Max Tiny Hawk III Plus

This training resulted in all 7 students becoming NZCF qualified in Visual Line of Sight flight (VLOS) for the NZCF Drone, and 3 Students qualifying in First Person VIew (FPV) ie with goggles on looking at the screen.

Even better is that Whangarei now has 7 more Qualified Coaches who can assist the next Drone Operators courses to be run in Term 3 and Term 4 - enabling up to 24 cadets at a time from throughout Northland to become NZCF Drone Qualified.

The weekend was intense, with the majority walking away with a much better appreciation of how to safely fly drones and the realisation that a lot of hobbyists really do not understand the regulations.......

Till next time!

Sorry - but the service has been cancelled.   All other services are potentially effected as well so check on each to se...
24/04/2026

Sorry - but the service has been cancelled. All other services are potentially effected as well so check on each to see status.

The Whangārei Returned and Services’ Association regrets to inform the community that due to safety concerns and adverse weather conditions, the 6:00 am Dawn Service at Laurie Hall Park, Whangārei, has been cancelled.

The 10:00 am service at Maunu Cemetery is expected to proceed, but will remain subject to weather conditions on the day.

This decision follows advice received from the Whangarei District Council, Met Service, and Civil Defense regarding the uncertainty of the weather. The final decision has been made by the Whangarei RSA.

Thank you for your understanding.

The Whangārei RSA

See you all bright and early this Saturday!
22/04/2026

See you all bright and early this Saturday!

ANZAC Day services large and small will run this Saturday 25 April 2026 to commemorate Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.

🔴 Pipiwai: Kaikou Marae dawn service begins at 5:00am.
🔴🌧️ CANCELLED: Central Whangārei: The Laurie Hall Park Dawn Service will begin at 6:00am (📸 2024 event pictured below, but cancelled for 2026 due to steady rain)
🔴 Tutukaka Coast: A dawn service will also start at the The Ngunguru Sports Complex at 6:00am.
🔴 Hukerenui Cenotaph: meet at 8:30am.
🔴 Maungatapere Community Centre: Meet at 9:00am for the annual service.
🔴 Maunu Cemetery: 10:00am
🔴 Hikurangi War Memorial Hall, 24 King Street: 10:00am
🔴 Pehiaweri Marae, 99 Ngunguru Road: 10:00am
🔴 Takahīwai marae, 229 Takahīwai Road: 10:00am
🔴 Te Kamo War Memorial Hall, Boswell Street: 10:00am
🔴 Waipu Citizens & Services Club, 18 Nova Scotia Drive: 10:40am
🔴 Maungakaramea Hall: 10:45am
🔴 Onerahi Community Hall, 130 Onerahi Road: 11:00am

Thanks to Whangārei RSA for providing this event-listing.

Lest we forget 🌹

Well done to all cadets staff and parents who helped with Poppy Day collections today. I think it has to be summed up wi...
17/04/2026

Well done to all cadets staff and parents who helped with Poppy Day collections today.

I think it has to be summed up with one great photo from an Officer who prefixed the photo with the caption "help, I've lost two of my cadets"

Obviously the DPM doing it's job...... but not enough to stop an amazing collection from all three Corps Army, Navy and Air Cadets today in Whangarei.

Address

North Tec Campus, Gate 4
Whangarei
0112

Opening Hours

6:20pm - 9:15pm

Telephone

094361577

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