New Zealand Cadet Forces 150th Anniversary Reception

Rau rangatira mā, e kui mā, e koro mā, e huihui nei, tēnei aku mihi māhana ki a koutou.  Nau mai, haere mai rā ki Te Whare Kawana o Te Whanganui-a-Tara.  Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, warm greetings to you all, and welcome to Government House.

I specifically acknowledge: Lieutenant General Tim Keating, Chief of Defence Force; Air Vice Marshall Kevin Short, Deputy Chief of Defence Force; Rear Admiral Jack Steer, Chief of Navy; Major General David Gawn, Chief of Army; Air Vice Marshall Mike Yardley, Chief of the Air Force; Major General Tim Gall, Commander Joint Forces; and Lieutenant General Don McIver, President of the RSA; and Brigadier Jon Broadley, Director General Reserve Forces and Development - tēnā koutou katoa.

It is a great pleasure to welcome you all to Government House.

This is a great day to celebrate New Zealand Cadet Forces – and to bring together, from all parts of the country, the people who play an instrumental role in training our young cadets.  It’s the 69th anniversary of Japan’s surrender, which ended the WW2.  It’s also the day on which, in 1248, the Foundation Stone for Cologne Cathedral, built to house relics of the three wise men was laid.  And on that point I want to acknowledge three wise men: RA Ian Hunter, AVM Peter Adamson and MG Lou Gardiner!

A major anniversary and celebration like this is a time to reflect on how cadet units have been part of New Zealand life for 150 years, beginning with the first unit at Dunedin High School – later to become Otago Boys High School.

And to note how over time, there has been increasing Defence Force involvement, and that today; most units are no longer affiliated with schools.

What has not changed in 150 years is the emphasis on young people, on teamwork, skills development and leadership training.

The great humanitarian Dr Albert Schweitzer said the only people who are truly happy are those who have sought out, and found how to serve.

The people here tonight understand and value the importance of service.  In particular, I want to acknowledge all the volunteers who share their expertise and take on the duty of care for thousands of young New Zealanders.  I want to thank you all for your service, your interest and your dedication.

Last week, service to our country was in many people’s minds as we recalled the beginning of the First World War.  We also recall how New Zealand was well prepared for war at that time.

The cadet training our men had received in their youth was a big part of that story.  They had often been trained by Boer War veterans, before going on to Territorial Army service.

Lord Kitchener, the great Field Marshall we now associate with war recruitment posters, had visited New Zealand in 1910.  As he moved around the country, he inspected parades of thousands of cadets.

The Lower Hutt cadet camp and parade was particularly memorable – for the appalling weather and its impact on the parade.

In pouring rain, Kitchener ordered nearly 4000 cadets to march past at the double.  The ground was uneven, some of the boys were barefoot, and some slipped and fell over.  A reporter described miniature lakes which were “negotiated by the boys with wonderful alacrity”. 

However, he also reported that for those “burdened with overcoats, miniature rifles, and haversacks, the march-past on such ground at the double was a very trying ordeal.  Although the lines were often very ragged, the boys showed that they had stamina, and they were repeatedly cheered as they went past the Field Marshall.”   Kitchener was reported as saying they were excellent material for the defence forces of the colony.

And so they were.  Within a few short years, those boys who were being cheered on by their families would be young men fighting for the Empire on the battlefields of Gallipoli, the Sinai desert and the Western Front – often as commissioned and non-commissioned officers.

In the intervening years, cadets have changed with the times.  A hundred years ago, it was an integral part of most boys’ school lives between the ages of 14 and 18 and it became compulsory for a time after the First World War.  Now of course cadet training is voluntary and includes both young men and young women.

The focus has shifted too – from preparation for a citizen army to a broader emphasis on developing leadership qualities and citizenship.

At the same time, it must be said that cadet training is a testing ground for people who might be interested in joining the Armed Forces, with up to 300 cadets applying each year for entry into the Army, Navy or Air Force.

For those who reach the bar for selection, experience has shown that they are much more likely to see out their training and to serve longer than those who have not undertaken cadet training.

With cadet numbers going up, an 8 percent increase last year, it’s evident the Cadet Forces are of good heart and in good hands.

So I thank all of you involved in this epic community service – the young people, the Cadet Forces staff, Cadet Force officers and civilian instructors, the parental and community unit support groups, the Association National Executives, the RSA and the Defence Force for the work you do to develop confident young citizens who are valued within the community.  In doing so, you make our society and New Zealand better. 

In keeping with the celebratory nature of this reception, we also acknowledge that today is J-Law’s (aka Jennifer Lawrence) and Napoleon Boneparte’s birthday (1990 and 1769 respectively) and it’s the anniversary of the start of the Woodstock Festival in 1969.  I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

Kia ora, kia kaha, kia manawanui, huihui tātou katoa.