This afternoon, on a beautiful day in Waiouru, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies attended the graduation of this year's New Zealand Officer Cadet Commissioning Course. This hugely challenging 11-month course aims to develop the leadership, character, and skill of personnel, in order to prepare them for leadership roles in the New Zealand Army, as well as other armed forces from across the Asia-Pacific region.
As Dame Cindy said in her speech: 'We live in challenging and uncertain times – of continuing conflict overseas, and where the effects of climate change are being seen and felt more and more clearly. You will each have a role to play in how we respond to these challenges of our time.'
Very warmest congratulations to all of today's graduates.
You can find more images in the New Zealand Officer Cadet Commissioning Course Graduation 2023 image gallery and read Dame Cindy's speech via New Zealand Officer Cadet Commissioning Course Graduation 2023 speech.