armynews
courage
|
CO m m i t m e n t
w w w . a r m y. m i l . n z
Iraq deployment announced
a non-combat training mission
Anzac Day throughout the world
preparations well underway
Reservist takes out Top Shot
the Army shooting competition
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comradeship
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integrity
I s s u e4 6 0 | M a r c h 2 0 1 5
NZarmy
news
March 2015
ISSUE 460
Contents
NEWS
Army rugby champions
Iraq Mission
03
04
PEOPLE
07
Looking back: WW100 08
Lessons Learned 14
NZDF’s DRO director 17
HRMIS 15
Farewell Dan Thompson
Capability
MHOV Update
10
Training
Shooting winners
20
SPORT
Cricket
Touch
23
24
The Army News is published for the
Regular and Territorial Force and
civilian staff of the New Zealand Army.
Editor: Judith Martin
Phone: 04-496-0227 or
DTelN: 349-7227
Fax: 04-496-0290
email: [email protected]
Website: www.army.mil.nz
Printing: Bluestar, Petone.
design: Vanessa Edridge,
Defence Public Affairs, NZDF
Editorial contributions and
letters are welcomed.
They may be sent directly to the Army News
and do not need to be forwarded through
normal command channels. Submit them to
The Editor, Army News, DPA, HQ NZDf,
Private Bag 39997, Wellington, or by email.
Deadline instructions: Army News is
published on the third Tuesday of each
month, except January. Please have all
contributions to the editor by
the first of the month.
Nothing in the Army News should be taken
as overriding any New Zealand Defence
Force regulation. Readers should refer to the
relevant service publication before acting
on any information given in this newspaper.
ISSN 1170-4411
All material is copyright, and permission to
reproduce must be sought from the editor.
COVER: Corporal Monique Dow
exits the Iroquois during her
Air Mobile course.
Photo: LCPL Sterling Waters
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/officialNZArmy
SPR Ra Broughton evading the Air Force defence on his way to score
a try for NZ Army
We are the champions
The Army has reasserted itself as being the NZDF rugby champions after
winning the inter-Services tournament held in Blenheim last week.
The Army team was presented with the following:
• King George Cup for Inter-service Champions (the oldest international
trophy in World Rugby according to Keith Quinn, as it originally involved
other commonwealth services in WW1)
• The Tyrell Cup – for the winner of the Army vs Navy match (this trophy
was recently resurrected from our Singapore period; it was a trophy
played between 1 RNZIR and visiting RNZN ships).
• The Walsh Memorial Shield – awarded to the team gaining the highest
number of points for punctuality, conduct, dress and adherence to rules
(decided by
the referees).
The match results were:
• Army vs Air (Army won 27–6)
• Army vs Navy (Army won 25–20)
• Air vs Navy (Air won 14–7)
Fifteen Army players made the NZDF squad for the ANZAC test match
against ADF, plus another five in the wider defence training pool in
preparation for the Defence Rugby World Cup later in the year. Sergeant
Charlie Togia won tournament Most Valued Player. Lance Corporal Vesi
Luatua, PTE Sam Prosser and staff Sergeant Davey Forbes were all
presented with their 12 game red caps, while Sapper Tainui Woodmass
achieved the rare 25 game black cap.
A full report on the tournament will appear in the April issue of Army News.
Army rugby team captain Major Logan Vaughan receives the King
George Cup from the Chief of Army, Major General Dave Gawn
Poppy Day 2015 – supporting those who served
Preparations are well under way for the Returned and Services Association
(RSA) annual Poppy Day appeal on Friday 17 April.
RSA National President BJ Clark said that while every Poppy Day is an
important event, the Gallipoli centenary has given 2015 a special resonance.
“We are also approaching the centenary of the RSA in 2016 so there is
a tremendous sense of
the history and the many
former servicemen and
servicewomen and their
families the RSA has helped
over the years,” said Mr Clark.
“Last year we raised
$1,780,983 through our
Poppy Day Appeal, thanks
in no small part to the
tremendous support of
New Zealand Defence Force
collectors. We are looking
forward to a very successful
campaign this year. Our street
collectors are absolutely vital
to that success and we would
love to hear from anyone who
would like to volunteer.”
New Zealand is unique in
holding its Poppy Appeal in
April – other countries mark
it during November to commemorate Armistice Day. The RSA had originally
intended to do the same but the first shipment of poppies arrived late and
as a result the decision was made to postpone until the day before Anzac
Day 1922 and a great Kiwi tradition was born.
That first year the RSA collected $13,166 (equivalent to nearly $1.25 million
today). £3695 was sent to help war-ravaged areas of northern France; the
remainder went to unemployed returned soldiers and their families.
That work has endured ever since. The RSA has support advisors across
the country to help war veterans, ex-servicemen and women, their spouses/
partners, widows/widowers and dependants, whether or not they are RSA
members. The RSA also provides help for overseas veterans now resident in
New Zealand.
Mr Clark said: “Anyone concerned about the wellbeing of any former
service person is encouraged to call the Support Adviser at their local RSA.”
“People think of veterans as being older, but those who were deployed in
more recent conflicts like Afghanistan and Timor are also veterans and we
are here to support them too.”
Assistance can range from grants for those in financial difficulty, to help
with practical tasks, supplementing healthcare costs, counselling, providing
meals on wheels, home maintenance or simply offering friendship and
support in times of need or illness.
The RSA also helps with applications for the War Disablement and
Veterans’ Pensions and provides a free advocacy service for pensioners
taking claims to the War Pensions Appeal Board. Last year it represented
veterans and widows in 26 new appeals to the War Pensions Appeal Board
and at 12 adjourned hearings. It also advocated strongly for the best
outcome for veterans during passage of the Veterans Support Act 2014.
ANZAC DAY 2015
a
PREPARATION UNDER WAY
message
from
chief
of army
NZDF personnel will play a key role in this
year’s ANZAC commemoration services at
home and overseas. Here’s a snapshot of
what is planned to date.
GLOBAL
Turkey (Anzac Day, 2015)
Gallipoli Dawn Service and New Zealand Memorial Service
Chunuk Bair
An official party of NZDF personnel
Belgium (24–25 April, 2015)
NZDF personnel will participate in six different Anzac Day
events in Belgium between 24–25 April. Two events will
be New Zealand-led events.
France (25–26 April, 2015)
NZDF personnel will participate in four different Anzac
Day events in France between 25 – 26 April. Two events
will be New Zealand-led events.
United Kingdom (Anzac Day, 2015)
A range of Anzac Day events involving NZDF personnel
are planned for the United Kingdom, including an
Australia-New Zealand-led dawn service in London.
Europe (Anzac Day, 2015)
NZDF personnel will attend Anzac Day commemoration
services (in support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
Trade) in:
• Berlin
• Vienna
• Rome
• Warsaw
• The Hague
• Madrid
United States of America (Anzac Day, 2015)
NZDF personnel will attend Anzac Day commemoration in:
•
Florida
•
Washington DC
•
New York
•
Hawaii
•
Los Angeles
•
San Francisco
AUSTRALIA
Canberra (Anzac weekend, 2015)
An NZDF contingent will take part in national
commemorations in Canberra. The NZDF rugby team
(travelling at the invitation of the Australian Defence
Force rugby team) will play against their Australian
counterparts over Anzac weekend.
Sydney (Anzac Day, 2015)
An NZDF contingent will take part in commemorations
in Sydney.
Melbourne (Anzac Day, 2015)
An NZDF contingent will take part in commemorations
in Melbourne.
Brisbane (Anzac Day –1 May, 2015)
An NZDF contingent will take part in commemorations in
Brisbane. The NZDF Rugby League team (travelling at the
invitation of the Australian Defence Force Rugby League
team) will play against their Australian counterparts in a
curtain-raiser to the Anzac test on 1 May.
Perth (Anzac Day, 2015)
An NZDF contingent will take part in national
commemorations in Freemantle. The NZDF netball team
(travelling at the invitation of the Australian Defence
Force netball team) will play several games throughout
Western Australia.
Darwin (Anzac Day, 2015)
HMNZS ENDEAVOUR will be in port on Anzac
Day, with the Ship’s Company taking part in local
commemorations.
PACIFIC
Cook Islands (Anzac Day, 2015)
NZDF personnel will take part in national
commemorations in the Cook Islands.
Samoa (Anzac Day, 2015)
NZDF personnel will take part in national
commemorations in Samoa.
Tonga (Anzac Day, 2015)
NZDF personnel will take part in national
commemorations in Tonga.
NEW ZEALAND
Wellington (Anzac week, 2015)
NZDF and ADF contingents will take part in national
commemorations in Wellington throughout Anzac Week.
Regional New Zealand (Anzac Day, 2015)
NZDF will support more than 360 community events
across New Zealand on Anzac Day.
Commemorations are also planned elsewhere throughout
the world, including Singapore, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur,
Beijing, Tokyo and Seoul.
Army Band plays in ANZAC dance tribute
The New Zealand Army Band features in the New
Zealand Dance Company’s Australasian tour of Rotunda
– a tribute to the centenary of the WW1 ANZAC landing
at Gallipoli.
Rotunda combines a live brass band with
contemporary dance. The tour began in Tauranga
last week and includes performances in Wellington,
Christchurch and Dunedin, before concluding its
Auckland season on Anzac Day at the Aotea Centre with
North Shore Brass.
The tour will then continue across the Tasman
throughout May, with performances in Adelaide,
Melbourne, Parramatta and Geelong.
Created by the company’s Artistic Director
and Arts Laureate Shona McCullagh in collaboration
with NZDC dancers and celebrated singer,
songwriter and composer Don McGlashan as
Musical Director, Rotunda brings to life the
world of the band rotunda as an iconic symbol
of New Zealand community.
“Rotunda is a living memorial that celebrates
the ANZAC spirit and the themes of courage,
community and loss, and ultimately, a desire
for peace,” says Ms McCullagh – last year’s
winner of the Arts Category at the Westpac and Fairfax
Women of Influence Awards.
“The performers’ journeys go to the heart of change and
crisis, where compassion and kinship are illuminated by
a haunting, humorous and deeply felt score.
“We are thrilled to be touring with the New Zealand
Army Band and also reuniting with North Shore
Brass for our final performances in Auckland,” says
Ms McCullagh.
Zero Harm Workplaces
As you will be well aware, when it comes to health and
safety throughout the NZ Defence Force, we have a singular
vision – Operations First; Safety Always.
For Army, this means not only ensuring we are a land
force trained and equipped to win, it also means that in
everything we do, the safety of ourselves and those around
us, is paramount.
At the heart of Operations First; Safety Always is you - our
Regular Force, Reserve Force and civilian employees. We
are seeing constant improvements in our track record for
health and safety, despite the very nature of our profession
of arms being one that constantly puts us in harm’s way. We
work in high-risk environments, whether in the workshop
or on operational deployment. Not only do we each have to
consider what it will take to get the job done, but also how
we can achieve it at minimal risk of harm.
In this issue of Army News I have dedicated an article
(pg 6) that highlights the eight practices good leaders
demonstrate to help create a zero harm workplace.
These are tried and tested ways to help maintain a work
environment that supports each person’s health and safety
requirements.
For each of you, but particularly for those who lead teams
within our Army, I ask you take the time to read and apply
those practices.
We are not perfect, but we are getting better. There will
always be times when circumstances align that create an
increased risk. It is rarely out of our control to change those
circumstances. I ask that each of you remain vigilant and
when you see this happening that you raise a red flag (even
when doing so may not be the popular choice) for yourself,
your mates, and those you are working alongside.
Dave Gawn, MBE
Chief of Army
04armyMISSION
issue 460 | March 2015
Non-combat training mission
for NZDF pers
The New Zealand Defence Force is sending 143 personnel to a non-combat training
mission in Iraq. The mission is in support of the Government of Iraq’s request to help
counter the threat of Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
The deployment will help the Iraqi Security Forces build
capacity to eventually train themselves.
The Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General Tim Keating
said he wanted to make it clear that as CDF, and as the
principal military advisor to the Government, he had to satisfy
himself as to what the NZDF could achieve, and what the risks
were of deploying Defence personnel on the training mission.
“In consultation with other senior defence leaders and
the wider government security and intelligence community,
I have formed the view that this is a mission within the
capabilities of the New Zealand Defence Force – and advised
the Government of that.
“The New Zealand Defence Force has a long and proud
tradition of training and partnering other security forces.
“It is a task we are well suited for, and have had many
successful results.From working alongside indigenous
tribesmen in Malaya in the 1950s to the ongoing training
and mentoring mission in Afghanistan today, our service
members have exhibited an aptitude to helping build the
capacity of those who have sought our help.”
Sixty-two countries have signalled, or provided, some
form of assistance to Iraq so far. Of those, about a third
have provided a military contribution. “We are not alone in
supporting the Government of Iraq to counter the threat of
ISIL,” said LTGEN Keating.
He said the NZDF contribution would be a non-combat
training mission, based at a military complex near Taji which
is very close to Baghdad; only some 20 kilometres away.
A small scoping team recently travelled to the Taji Military
Complex. “From this scoping visit and other information, it
has been assessed as a suitable site to conduct a Building
Partner Capacity mission. Taji has now been confirmed as the
home of our training contingent, most likely alongside the
Australian Defence Force,” said LTGEN Keating.
A number of staff officers would also deploy to serve in
headquarters roles and additional logistics personnel would
also be required to be deployed to various places in the
region to support the deployment to Taji.
LTGEN Keating said he expected the deployment to occur some
time in May, with staff officers taking up their posts in April.
NZ Army trainer Captain Joe Darby celebrates a
good lesson with a mentee during a field exercise in
Afghanistan last year.
armyMISSION05
issue 460 | March 2015
ahead
An aptitude to help: training the trainers in Afghanistan last year
“The overall New Zealand Defence Force commander and
Senior National Officer of this deployment will be based in
Baghdad. Although likely to be a joint mission with Australia,
as Chief of Defence Force I retain full command of all of our
forces, with the Government retaining ultimate decisionmaking authority over the nature and scope of the activities
of the New Zealand personnel in the mission.”
He said the training of Iraqi Security Forces was expected to
cover a broad range of individual and organisational military
skills. “These include basic weapons skills, and individual
and unit military skills to prepare the Iraqi Security Forces
for combat operations. It also includes the planning of
operations, and medical and logistics support to operations.
“Training will also be provided to the Iraqi Security Forces
so that they can assume responsibility for the delivery of the
training programme in the future.”
LTGEN Keating said many commentators had made
reference to the time, resources and cost previously
committed to training the Iraqi Security Forces.
“The principal question raised is ‘how is the training of the
Iraqi Security Forces this time different or transformed from
the past if we are expecting a better outcome’.
“This is a critical question and I’d like to address that.
We, like other Coalition members, have taken the lessons of
the past and looked carefully at the needs of Iraqi Security
Forces today.
“What is apparent is that the Iraqis must be fully integrated
into the development and the delivery of training.That
includes working together to assess the objectives of the
training, and what the agreed outcomes will be.
“True partnership means working together, not a them-andus approach. It is not just about how our trainers will teach
Major Aidan Shattock and an Australian mentor
assist their Afghan mentees through urban tactics,
techniques and procedures last year.
‘From working alongside
indigenous tribesmen in Malaya
in the 1950s to the ongoing
training and mentoring mission
in Afghanistan today, our
service members have exhibited
an aptitude to helping build
the capacity of those who have
sought our help.’
– Chief of defence force, Lieutenant General Tim Keating
Training during an Afghanistan field exercise last year
their counter-parts but it is vital for our trainers to better
understand how Iraqi soldiers learn.
“Though the training programme is yet to be finalised,
the New Zealand and Australian contingent would expect
to train significant numbers of Iraqi personnel during each
training cycle.”
The 143 personnel will deploy to Taji and other parts of the
region, with up to 106 in Taji.
A training mission like this is not without risk, said LTGEN
Keating. “Because of that, a force protection element will
be part of the deployment to support the training activities
carried out at the base. All those deploying will be armed and
as such will retain the inherent right to self-defence.
“But this is not a New Zealand Defence Force training
mission to directly confront ISIL. It is a mission that is
designed to train the Iraqi security forces so that they can
better fight ISIL.”
He said the NZDF’s mission would be deployed within
an important coalition base, where force protection was a
primary consideration.
“I can assure New Zealanders that as Chief of Defence
Force, everything possible will be done to ensure the safety
of our personnel. I know that the men and women of our
armed forces are consummate professionals, and they have
what it takes to succeed.
“The Government has made the important decision to
deploy New Zealand’s armed forces to this training mission.
It is our job as a Defence Force to deliver our assignment with
commitment, courage and professionalism. I am confident
that our people will – in the finest traditions of our armed
forces – do just that.
“I expect the public will support our forces as they go about
their duty to serve their country. As the Chief of Defence
Force, I can assure you that their safety, their well-being, and
their ability to succeed in this mission, is my number one
priority, as it is for all our other missions.”
06armyPEOPLE
issue 460 | March 2015
Leadership
in health
and safety
Like most organisations,
the health and safety of the
Army’s people is priority;
and like most organisations,
NZ Army has systems and
processes in place to help
ensure we keep this priority
front-of-mind.
While the processes we have are designed to help mitigate
and minimise harm occurring in our workplace, leaders
across the organisation need to remain vigilant, apply a
practical approach to the ways in which health and safety
practices play out, share best practice, and innovate in
order to ensure our people can get on with their duties in a
healthy and safe way.
The New Zealand Business Leader’s Forum has been
developing thinking around maintaining and improving
good health and safety practices, with the goal of creating
Zero Harm Workplaces around the country. They rightly
point out that this thinking lies at the heart of leadership.
Here are the eight areas leaders should look at regarding
health and safety practices within their workplaces.
• Clarify the vision –
demonstrate through your own practices what is
expected of your team when it comes to health and
safety. Share your ideals and ideas with those who
work to you, and remind them that their health and
safety is your priority. This is more than words – this
is practical application of best practice on a daily
basis – and sharing that best practice with those
around you.
• Invest –
commit the necessary resources (be that time,
money, or people) to ensure that you have a plan for
health and safety that continues to remain useful
and relevant. It may mean you need to review what
you have in place to test it is still achieving the
outcomes you require. Build this into your annual
planning where you can – it is always best practice
to review, refresh and adapt.
• Get involved –
champion great health and safety practices within
your units or organisation. People look to their
leaders to demonstrate what is expected of them.
By taking the time to show commitment to best
practises around health and safety, you are clearly
demonstrating that your commitment is, in fact, to
your people.
• Engage –
cultivate a culture of sticking to the rules, of
enhancing practice, and of raising a red flag when
things don’t look right. Get out and ask your people
what’s working and what isn’t, and act on their
input. No one person is better than the entire team
working together – so listen, learn, and respond
with action
• Recognise contributions –
and do it in a way that suits the person or team.
When someone innovates, even when someone
applies the rules as they should be applied
notice it and thank them. Effective recognition
is ONLY effective when it suits the person you’re
recognising. Get to know what is meaningful to
your team members, and apply it when they are
hitting the mark or exceeding expectations. Include
FIT TO FIGHT
ASSISTANT PHYSICAL
TRAINING INSTRUCTOR
COURSE
9 JUNE – 21 JULY 2015
Assistant Physical Training Instructors (APTI) fulfil an important
role in assisting the NZAPTC in maintaining the soldier’s
warrior edge. APTIs assist with the delivery of structured
strength/conditioning activities and recreation activities. Unit
APTIs have been and will continue to be an essential part of
NZDF performance health strategy in the future.
Myth – Only super-fit soldiers make good APTIs.
Yes- personal fitness assists in preventing fatigue, but fitness
is trainable. The best APTIs are leaders who have a selfless
interest in developing others.
Myth– It’s all about fitness.
If it was just about fitness the course would be a running
race. The APTI course focuses on developing instructor
fundamentals in a physical conditioning context. The skillsets
acquired will enable qualified APTIs to support NZAPTC in
their outputs and to optimise training within their respective
units Instructional confidence, leadership and teamwork are
all enhanced through the APTI course and improved personal
attributes will benefit a range of military applications.
Myth – The APTI Course is a stepping stone to the NZAPTC
Selection Course.
•
•
•
health & safety in your unit’s monthly or annual
commendations/recognitions.
Manage the risks –
by asking the right questions and consistently
demanding that all of your team apply the expected
standards of behaviour. We each understand that
filling out paperwork is the least enjoyable part of
the job when it comes to health and safety – but
by consistently completing it everyday yourself,
and demanding your team does the same, your
risks will be managed, and incidents of harm will
be minimised.
Monitor success –
and learn from it. When it comes to any kind of
improvement, the first thing most organisations do
is ask themselves ‘what did we do wrong?’ Instead,
ask ‘what are we doing right?’ learn what that
success looked like, and find ways to replicate the
individual aspects of that success across the board.
Trust your people –
most teams work better when all of the above is put
in place, and they are allowed and trusted to get on
with it. In the profession of arms we have to trust
those we work alongside. Ensuring good health and
safety practice is no different. This doesn’t mean
not being involved, but it does mean trusting that
once you have clearly outlined expectations, your
team will get on with it. When they don’t – call them
on it, but the benefit of trust goes a long way.
But of course none of this should be new to us. As an
organisation these eight steps are part of our everyday
leadership activities.
As an example of the innovation and successes
mentioned above, we have recently introduced an online
learning package for the NZDF Safety Reporting System
(SRS) using the NZDF Learning Management System
(LMS). Log on through the ILP Training and Education
menu and sign up for D06002_v01 NZDF Safety Reporting
System (SRS) Introduction.
The NZ Army prime reference for Health and Safety is
DFO (A) Vol 2 Book 2.
For more information on how leaders can create Zero
Harm Workplaces, head to zeroharm.org.nz
Some APTIs complete the course highly motivated but only a
small percentage of qualified APTIs consider attending the PTI
Selection Board. Most prospective APTIs are content within
their current trade and the additional APTI responsibilities are
intended as adding value to their unit.
If being a Unit APTI sounds like something you might be
interested in:
• Discuss the APTI course with your Unit PTI, there are no
secrets.
• Talk to your unit chain of command about attending the
APTI course.
• There are some pre course requisites and RPTA
endorsement is mandatory. It is best to discuss
the course requirements with your Unit PTI before
submitting a course nomination.
If soldiers or commanders have any questions please do not
hesitate to contact your Regional Physical Training Advisor:
• Northern SSGT Terry Simpson
• Waiouru
SSGT Glen Roberts
• Linton
SSGT Neil Warner
• Wellington SSGT Dors Drylie
• Southern WO2 Terry Miratana
armyPEOPLE07
issue 460 | March 2015
Farewell Captain Dan Thompson
The empathy, integrity, courage, and professionalism shown
by Captain Dan Thompson, who died last month, were second
to none, his former Commanding Officer told those who
gathered for his funeral.
Captain Thompson, 29, died on 21 February of a suspected
heart attack while out running in Christchurch with his
fiancee Anna Jack.
His funeral at Burnham Camp was attended by his family,
friends and colleagues, as well as military leaders from
throughout the country, including the Chief of Army Major
General Dave Gawn.
His former Commanding Officer, Colonel Hugh McAslan
said Capt.Thompson was an officer and man who was held in
the highest regard by all he touched. “This will be reflected
today by the fact that tributes will be paid to Dan’s life and
service not only by his family, friends, and peers; but also his
soldiers, with Ed McMillan to address the service a little later.
His empathy, integrity, courage, and professionalism were
second to none. But it is perhaps Dan’s moral courage that
was his strongest and defining trait. His sense of right and
wrong, and willingness to call people on issues or matters
that he thought were not right was notable.
“It did not matter if you were a subordinate, peer, or
superior. If Dan thought a decision wasn’t right, he would
respectfully make his position known. Leading was not a
matter of popularity for Dan, but his qualities, approach,
and competence made him popular and highly respected
by all he worked with. For many of us here today, he is the
consummate example of what values based leadership
is about; a touchstone for us all when we think about our
profession, and we think about what leadership is about.
He was an officer with great potential, reflected in the
positions he has held in his career to date in both command
and instructional roles. But above all else, he was a loyal
mate and friend, and a true professional.”
Capt. Thompson joined the Army in 2006, and was posted
to 2/1 Battalion in Burnham. He had served in Timor-Leste
and Afghanistan.
COL McAslan said that Capt. Thompson’s professionalism
took on a more intellectual footing recently when he sought
extra opportunities to challenge himself academically.
“Most of our recent contact centred around numerous
exchanges around geopolitics, fuelled by his year at the
University of Canterbury studying political science, reflecting
not only a sharp intellect, but a desire for excellence. I know
he was very proud of his final research project result at
Canterbury, for which he received an A.
“In a feature article in the Canterbury University Magazine
in 2013 that was published while Dan was studying Political
Science, his defining quote in the article was as follows:
“I will always be an Infantryman. I figure you might as well
die doing something you love.” As I reflect on this comment
this week, and as tough and tragic as it is, your time to
go, Dan, was alongside your soulmate Anna. We give you
the undertaking that we will support Anna and your family
through these difficult times, as you have done for others
in their time of need.
“So today Dan we bid you farewell. While you are leaving us
far too early, God speed for your final patrol. You will always be
an infantryman, and will grow not old, age will not weary, nor
the years condemn. We will remember you. ONWARD friend.”
Captain Dan Thompson’s funeral in Burnham
Captain Dan Thompson in Afghanistan
08armyPEOPLE
issue 460 | March 2015
First World war centenary
Watkins Eldridge Lewis, Tom Eldridge Lewis, Llewellyn Eldridge Lewis, Samuel Eldridge Lewis
A family’s history of Great War tragedy
Staff Sergeant Julian Watts
is proud of the service four of
his relatives – all brothers –
gave to their country.
The Lewis brothers –Watkins, Tom, Llewellyn and Samuel
– all fought in the Great War with SSGT Watts’ Great
Grandfather. Watkins died at Chunuk Bair, Tom at Lone Pine,
and Samuel was killed at the Somme. Llewellyn was injured,
but recovered enough to return to New Zealand.
The men were SSGT Watts’ great-great-uncles from his
mother’s side. Of Hawkes bay farming stock, Watkins,
Samuel and Tom were not new-comers to war. Both had
served in the Boer War but they were as eager as anyone to
serve again when the call came in 1915.
SSGT Watts, who has served in Bosnia, Timor-Leste twice,
Afghanistan and Solomon Islands, and is now an Army
recruiter, says he was always aware as a child of the tragedy
the First World War had wrought on his family.
“It was a massive loss, but in those days many families sent
several sons to war and in many cases they did not return.
It must have been heart-breaking for their parents, but they
wanted to serve and to do their bit.”
SSGT Watts has uncovered the following detail about his
uncles: Private Watkins Eldridge Lewis was a member of
10/2208 Wellington Infantry Battalion, and part of the
5th Reinforcements.
His Gallipoli experience was brief and violent. The 5th
Reinforcements arrived on Gallipoli in the early hours of
August 8th, with the August Offensive already raging. They
had been given brief training in New Zealand and rushed to
the Dardanelles, barely stopping along the way. They were
pushed straight into the heat of battle.
Watkins and the Reinforcements were sent up Chailak Dere
to Rhododendron Spur during the day of the August 8th.
Along the way, they passed dead and horrifically wounded
men lying all over the valley floor, along with streams of
wounded being carried down to the beach.
It’s thought the Turks spotted this column of fresh troops
advancing towards the front, because they started exploding
shrapnel shells over their heads. The first shells wounded
Otago Reinforcements, and the second round exploded right
over the Wellington Reinforcements. Watkins was listed as
wounded that day, and it is thought the shelling may have
caused his wounds, less than eight hours after setting foot
on Gallipoli. He is listed as Killed in Action on August 9.
Around 11pm on August 8 the 152 Wellington
Reinforcements were sent forward onto Chunuk Bair,
attached to the 400-strong Otago Infantry Battalion. With
them were 173 troopers from the Wellington Mounted Rifles.
They were sent to Chunuk Bair to support the Wellington
Battalion who had spent the day of August 8 defending the
summit against repeated Turkish attack (along with the
Auckland Mounted Rifles who managed to join them at 2pm).
The fighting on Chunuk Bair on August 9 was just as intense
as the day before with Wellington Mounted Rifles O/C LTCOL
Bill Meldrum (in charge of all Chunuk Bair soldiers), just as
inspirational in his leadership as Malone the day before. The
casualties were continuous, and Watkins would have died at
some stage during this fighting.
armyPEOPLE09
issue 460 | March 2015
By that night, when British troops relieved the New
Zealanders, the Otagos (with Wellington Reinforcements) had
lost 326 men; the Wellington Mounteds had lost 73.
Watkins is commemorated on the Chunuk Bair Memorial.
Private Tom Eldridge Lewis was 40 when he joined 6/283
Canterbury Infantry Battalion, 12th Nelson Company.
Tom sailed with the Main Body, leaving Wellington on Oct
16th, 1914 on the Athenic.
The convoy of 10 ships joined the 26 ships carrying the
Australian Imperial Force, and left Albany, Western Australia
on November 1, bound for Europe.
But the onset of winter highlighted the poor conditions
the Canadian Army were being subjected to in their badly
prepared Salisbury Plain camp, and the British decided to
offload the Australians and New Zealanders in Egypt. They
set up camp at Zeitoun, outside of Cairo on December 9.
After four months of gruelling desert training, the situation
in Turkey led to the newly formed ANZAC Corps being sent to
Gallipoli in April, 1915.
Tom travelled from Mudros Harbour to Gallipoli on HMT
Itonus, and the 13th Nelson Company landed at 5pm on April
25th, digging in on the lower slopes of Russell’s Top. After a
week of defending Russell’s Top from Turkish attacks, at the
position known as The Nek, on May 6th the Canterburys were
sent with the rest of the NZ Brigade to the British frontline
down at Cape Helles.
They were involved in the badly conceived Battle for Krithia,
suffered heavy casualties, then were sent back to Anzac Cove
on May 19th. They were allowed to rest in Reserve Gully until
May 30th, when they moved into Quinn’s Post.
They spent June and July taking 2 week spells at Quinn’s,
with the Wellington Battalion alternating.
They were brought down to the beach on Aug 5th, to prepare
for the August Offensive.
By this stage, Tom along with the other Main Body men,
would be weak, sick with dysentery and in no state to
continue fighting.
It seems that Tom was wounded during the Canterbury’s
doomed attempts to support the Chunuk Bair attack on
7th August. They got lost in the gullys and by the time they
reached Rhododendron Spur, the Otagos had cleared Turks
from the area - however they were hit by heavy shrapnel, and
sniper fire from Battleship Hill. It is likely that this is when
Tom was badly wounded.
He was evacuated to a hospital ship, but died of his wounds
on August 9, and was buried at sea.
He is commemorated on the Lone Pine Memorial (which lists
many names of NZ soldiers who died at sea).
Lt Samuel Eldridge Lewis, NZ Rifle Brigade, 4th Bn, A Coy
was conducting a reconnaissance on an enemy position in
the Somme France in 1918, when he was shot and killed by an
enemy sniper.
Both Tom and Samuel had served in the Boer War (1902) in
10th Contingent, NZ Mounted Rifles.
Watkins, Samuel and Tom’s youngest brother Llewelyn
served as Private 1/155 in the Samoan Advance 1914, in 5th
Wellington Rifles and after 6 months he was returned to New
Zealand medically down graded. He was the only survivor out
of his brothers from the Great War.
Next month: Army Command School commandant Lieutenant
Colonel Kate Lee’s connections to Arras and Ypres, Messines
and Passchendaele.
10armyCAPABILITY
issue 460 | March 2015
MHOV Update
NZDF Flat Rack
The New Zealand Defence Force has purchased 16 HX77 (8x8)
Enhanced Palletised Load System (EPLS) vehicles as part of
the Medium Heavy Operational Vehicle (MHOV) Project.
The Flat Racks (FR) are to be initially procured through
the MHOV project and introduced into service for training
and use with the HX77 EPLS vehicles. Additional FR will be
procured through the LTCP Distribution Capability Project in
due course.
Sea Box International (SBI) has been subcontracted by
RMMVA to design and produce the NZDF FR, based on
the Australian Land121 design. Advantages of choosing
the Australian design include a rigorous design process,
battlefield interoperability and economies of scale during
production (which leaves more money for other capabilities).
Flat Racks, or “drops” as they are commonly referred to,
are a new capability for NZDF, but are already in use by
NZDF’s partners. The significant difference this system
provides is the ability to multi-task the vehicle with as many
loads as required.
With the increased carrying capability, the HX77 EPLS
vehicle will change how NZDF, and in particular, the NZ Army
loads and delivers cargo across the area of operation.
Key Design Features
The pay-load capacity of the NZDF FR is limited to 12,950kg.
Key design figures include:
• Tare weight = 2,050kg
• Able to stack (vertically, A-frame folded) or nest
(cascaded, A-frame upright)
• Storage provisions
• Made from corrosion resistant materials (SPA-H)
• MIL-STD-209 Tie-downs
Load Trials and Design Validation
Removable ISO twist locks
In January this year, the project received its first of type FR,
ready to conduct load trials and validate the design against
NZDF load requirements. These load trials were held in Linton
Camp, attended by representatives of SBI, RMMVA, the New
Zealand Ministry of Defence, and the NZDF.
The NZDF’s load requirements primarily covered the ability
to carry the various standard ISO containers, including: 20’
ISO Cons, 10’ ISO Cons, Quad-Cons, Trio-Cons, Bi-Cons, NZDF
Specialist Shelters (2/3 ISO Container) and pallets. Several
vehicles were also included – Armoured Pinzgauer and the
2.5T MatBro Forklift.
The load trials were a success, the design validated
and approval to complete production of the remaining FR
was provided.
The ability to pick up a load, deliver it to the field and return
without the use of MHE will reduce the transport trade’s
reliance on support systems to get them moving again. They
will be able to drop off a full FR, pick up and empty one (or
return stores, damaged equipment etc).
4535kg rated tie down
points (11 down each side)
Training
Training for the NZDF FR will be included in the HX77
Operator Course delivered by the Transition into Service
Team (TiST) in 2015.
FR Inspection (note the fork pockets for unladen and laden carrying and the
additional deck strengthening down each side for vehicle carrying)
10,000 litre Water Tank loading during the FR trials (with 6,500 litres of water)
6475kg rated heavy load
tie-down shackles (2 at the
front, 2 at the rear)
armyCAPABILITY11
issue 460 | March 2015
RING MOUNT TRIAL STAGE ONE TRENTHAM CAMP
The MHOV project is procuring ring mounts for both
unarmoured and armoured vehicles as part of the
prime contract with RMMVA. W&E PLATT had loaned
MoD/NZDF a ring mount for both the armoured and
unarmoured MHOV to conduct weapon trials (current in
service 7.62mm machine guns). The trial was attended by
representatives from WE&PLATT, Mr Matt Herdman and
Mr Hugh Terry from DTA. The PLATT Ring Mount (PRM)
trials will be conducted in two stages using blank and
live ammunition.
Stage one was conducted in Trentham camp in February
where four soldiers with PPE and webbing were selected
to trial the PRM (unarmoured). The purpose of stage one
was to assess the functionality of the PRM, exposed the
Lance Corporal Elaine O’Rourke operating the 7.62mm
Minimi LSW from the PLATT ring mount during the trial
PRM to general use and seek feedback from the soldiers
on the suitability. This was a static trial from a HX58
truck utilising the MAG58 and the 7.62mm Minimi LSW
with blank ammunition only. WE&PLATT had developed
a scissor lift stand which replaced the centre seat of
the vehicle and could be adjusted to different heights
to accommodate soldiers of different physiques. The
response from the soldiers yielded positive feedback and
made recommendations for modifications to the PRM /
scissor lift. Additional equipment used during the trial was
the Ops Core Century helmet fitted with the ballistic face
shield and the ballistic mandable.
Stage two will be conducted in Waiouru at the Moving
Target Range using the PRM (armoured). The PRM modular
The PLATT adjustable scissor lift stand.
design has a series of drilled holes and slots to enable
enhancements to be fitted. These enhancements include
front shield, wire cutters, 360 degrees protection and
ammunition holders. The purpose of stage two will again
assess the functionality and expose the PRM to general
use with live ammunition.
Pte Daniel Martin wearing the Ops Core Century
helmet. The helmet has been acquired as a ‘proof of
concept’ and is being considered for trials.
AUMANGEA
To be the best you can be in today’s environment you
must test your resilience, courage and self-reliance.
2.5T MatBro Forklift reversed onto the FR.
The Aumangea Programme is designed to let you
find the psychological wherewithal to succeed on
tasks and missions, increasing your innovation
in varied environments and preparing you for
any situation.
It will take you to the edge and let you find your way
back braver, stronger and more resolute than before.
Aumangea –
Bravery, Resilience, Determination, Tenacity.
To find out more and enrol email:
[email protected]
2015 Dates:
21/3/2015 – 24/4/2015
16/5/2015 – 19/6/2015
15/8/2015 – 18/9/2015
Ready to deliver its pay-load
12armyTRAINING
issue 460 | March 2015
5/7 soldier Army’s top shot
Private Sam Ollivier is a relative
newcomer to the military, but that’s
no barrier to his shooting ability –
the reservist is the Army’s top shot.
A member of 5/7 Battalion, the Wellington-based soldier won
the Queen’s Medal award at the Army shooting competition in
Waiouru in February.
He has been in the Army since January 2012, and says he
had never really shot at all before joining.
“I got into shooting when I got a decent Annual Weapons
Qualification score at the end of 2012 and heard about the
Freyberg competition. I tried out for the 5/7 team and had
some excellent coaching and was lucky enough to make the
team which then went on to win the competition.
“In 2013 I tried out for the Army shooting team and luckily
made it in and went to Australia to compete at AASAM. My
practice prior to the competition was about four full days with
the team up in Waiouru.”
PTE Ollivier says the best thing about marksmanship is
“getting paid to spend all day shooting on the range. You
can’t get much better than that.”
The Hardham Trophy was won by 1 (NZ) Sigs Regt, and the
Freyberg Trophy by 5/7 Battalion.
The Army Shooting Competition Trophy was also won by
5/7 Battalion.
The 1(NZ) Sigs Regt team with the Hardham Trophy
PTE Sam Ollivier is congratulated by the Land
Component Commander, Brigadier Pete Kelly
The 5/7 team with the Army Shooting Competition Trophy
Photos: SGT Lucy Jordan
armyTRAINING13
issue 460 | March 2015
The 5/7 team with the Freyberg Trophy
14armyPEOPLE
issue 460 | March 2015
A lesson is not a lesson learned
until someone owns it
By Lieutenant Colonel Mike Duncan, J8, HQJFNZ
‘It should be the duty of
every soldier, airman and
sailor to reflect on the
experiences of the past, in
the endeavour to discover
improvements, in his or her
particular sphere of action,
which are practicable in the
immediate future.’
– B.H Liddell-Hart, 1895–1970
does have limitations EARLLS is actually a goldmine of
information with PARs going back 10 years, but is only as
good as the information that goes into it. The old adage
of ‘rubbish in, rubbish out’ is true with EARLLS. EARLLS
meets one of the critical requirements for any Lessons
Learned database; it is accessible by all in the NZDF. It is
an old system (over 10 years old) but until a replacement
is found it is the system we have. If you are having issues
with EARLLS contact the J8 branch and we can help.
The J8 branch has produced a variety of lessons
handbooks, reports, posters and newsletters that are
proving very popular particularly for those deploying. The
posters are also distributed around every base and camp
in the NZDF quarterly. If you are deploying or are deployed
already and are searching for lessons from previous
missions or on a specific issue you have encountered in
theatre then the J8 branch can find that information for
you if it exists. We use not only EARLLS but a number of
other sources including other country’s lessons learned
databases. We have very strong links with Australia, the
USA, Canada and the UK’s lessons communities and
can access a lot of their lessons product to help you. Our
intranet IMX site has our entire product but if what you are
after is not there then drop us a line (email, phone etc) and
we will see what we can get for you.
How to get there: J8 Website;
http://orgs/imx/hqjfnz/LP/j8pc.aspx or on the NZDF
ILP page click on the HQ JFNZ Logo, select Continuous
Improvement from the Deployable information dropdown
on the right hand Menu.
In the end continuous improvement is achieved by
information sharing, having a process to identify valid
lessons and then lesson owners who implement the
required change. That’s what the J8 branch facilitates in
the operational and joint exercise space, but who does it
in your unit/workplace? It’s everyone’s responsibility.
The NZDF Lessons Cycle
DECIDE
NEW
rn
Lea
ZEALAND
ll
JOINT FORCES
J8
ect
HEADQUARTERS
VALIDATE
C
o
Have you been in the position of deploying back to
an operational mission for a second or third time
and see similar issues you identified on the first tour
still occurring?
In the most recent edition of the NZ Army Journal
an abridged version of a paper written by Lieutenant
Colonel Brett Wellington in 2010 was included entitled
‘Aspiring to be World Class’. I commend this article to
you as it challenges us to ask the question ‘How can
we do better?’ The answer to this question has to be a
resounding ‘Yes’ but often the next questions are ‘how?’
and ‘where do we start?’
We have a Lessons Identified database (EARLLS) but
some believe that no one ever reads the PARs that were
submitted into it so why bother to submit a PAR. Apathy is
the ‘winner’ on the day and we all lose out by being at risk
of relearning the same lessons already identified.
In 2011 the then Commander Joint Forces NZ (COMJFNZ),
Major General Gawn, directed that the J8 (Lessons
Learned) Branch of HQ JFNZ reorganise and focus on
developing and then embedding a Lessons Learned
process in order to establish a culture of continuous
improvement within HQ JFNZ. The NATO Lessons Learned
Process was adopted and is now the NZDF Lessons
learned process. If you need more information on this
process have a look on the J8 JFNZ Intranet site where the
HQ JFNZ Lessons Handbook is available.
In the Collect phase the PARs are deposited into
EARLLS or a team from J8 visits the mission area and
conducts a Lessons Collection Activity (LCA). A number of
observations are made by those on the mission during an
LCA interview and these are brought home.
In the Analyse phase the observations are grouped into
like type areas and they become common insights.
These insights are then taken to a decision group of
Subject Matter Experts (SME) in the Decide phase and
once validated become lessons identified. These SMEs
then decide what action needs to be taken to address the
lesson, who ‘owns’ the lesson and how to implement the
required change.
In the Implementation phase COMJFNZ directs the change
occurs and the J8 branch monitors the implementation to
ensure the change occurs. The branch chases the lesson
identified owner at the three to four month mark to ensure
the required change has occurred. Only once the change
has been effected does the lesson become a lesson
learned and so in the Validation phase J8 checks that the
change has occurred and it is the right change.
A real example of the lessons cycle in operation concerns
the deployment to South Sudan (Op SUDDEN).
1. Issue; Analysis of the Op SUDDEN deployment PAR
identified that due to the changing nature of the
operational environment their PDT was deficient in
two areas. These were weapon handling and escape
and evasion (E&E) training.
2. Outcome; this was put through the Lessons Learned
Cycle and the NZ Collective Training Centre (CTC) (as
the owners of the PDT) took ownership of the lesson
identified and the PDT was extended to include
more weapons and E&E training. As this is now
embedded into the PDT it is a Lesson Learned.
HQ JFNZ’s key areas of influence are in all operations and
joint exercises, however there are many more activities
and exercises conducted by each service that we don’t
get involved in. A lot of lessons are identified through unit
and formation evaluation but nothing happens because
the lesson loop is not closed. Why? Because everyone
is great at identifying the problem and many are good at
identifying the solution but, more importantly few want to
take responsibility to fix the issue. If your unit is good at
conducting after action reviews (AARs) does anyone in the
unit take ownership to fix the issue or does the AAR report
just get filed in a the cabinet never to see the light of day
again? A lesson is not a lesson learned until the change
has been made.
This brings me onto EARLLS. Rest assured HQ, JFNZ do
read ALL the operational and joint exercise PARs that are
submitted. Your input into the OP/Ex PAR written at the
end of the deployment is critical to ensure that we get to
understand the issues and then be able to address it. A
well written PAR, with well considered observations, leads
to the lessons being learned with changes being made
to the issues you identified. EARLLS is the mandated
reporting and lessons repository for the NZDF. While it
ANALYSE
A n a lys e
NZDF Continuous Improvement
IMPLEMENT
COLLECT
armyPEOPLE15
issue 460 | March 2015
The HRMIS project:
Introducing a new online talent management system
The second phase of the Human Resources Information System (HRMIS) project goes live
this month, with the introduction of a new online talent management system for NZDF.
,
ONE
TO
OL
YOU
COMMANDERS/
MANAGERS
IC
TALENT
MANAGEMENT
SPECIALISTS
TR
EN
D
-L
OO
-C
AR
The following support and resources are available
to help NZ Army personnel get the most out of the
new Talent Management System.
• Project information, education resources and
instructions to access online training can be
found on the HRMIS Project intranet site at:
http://org/nzdf/LP/COO-SP-HRMIS.aspx
»» Online training is available on DIXS via the
Learning Management System
»» Education resources and training will also
be available externally from 23 March at:
http://train.myplace.mil.nz/
• HR Toolkit:
http://orgs/imx/hr-toolkit/LP/Home.aspx
• Advice from local implementation Network
representatives, Human Resource Advisors and
Career Managers
• When the above options are exhausted, call HRSC on
4777, option 3 or email [email protected]
RE
HE
YW
HRMIS support and
resources
NE
O
ONLI
NE
EV
ER
Y
WA
RW
HRMIS timeline for Army
of “The Future of NZDF Talent Management” booklet. In
line with the staggered roll-out timeline highlighted below,
all personnel will receive education briefings from their
Commander / Manager and complete online training prior to
using the system for the first time. Everyone will be advised
by their Commander / Manager when this needs to occur.
FO
NZDF’s new Talent Management System is being rolled
out over the next 15 months, staggered by rank and
employment groups (see the graphic below).
Last year, phase one of the project made it possible to
request leave, check pay, update personal details and
make several transactions online, using DIXS, DIXS-RAS
and the Internet.
Starting March 23, NZDF personnel will begin to use
a common set of online processes and tools for career
development, performance management and annual
civilian remuneration review.
The new system features three new tools – talent
profiles, career development plans and performance and
development reports.
The tools make it possible for personnel to have more
input into career development, goal setting and recording
career-related outcomes online.
They will also:
• increase engagement in the talent management
process
• give NZDF a common set of tools and processes
for all ranks and grades and for military and
civilian personnel
• improve access to and transparency of talent
management information
• integrate with the new Competency Framework within
the Defence Professional Development Framework.
Everyone needs to understand how the new Talent
Management System will work and will receive a copy
KIN
G
PE
L
OP
E
16armyMISSION
issue 460 | March 2015
AMT Shannon lowers the flag with the NZDF contingent standing fast.
Graeme Ayres (Left) congratulates Richie Hunter (Right) the recipient of the Summer
Flag, for outstanding service to Scott Base throughout the summer season.
Raising the winter flag
Plant Operator Lance Corporal Benjamin Armstrong had
the honour of raising the winter flag in a ceremony at Scott
Base, Antarctica.
This tradition started at the opening of Scott Base
on 20 January 1957 whereby the youngest member
of the NZDF personal raises the winter flag at the
start the winter season. This marks the handover
from the summer team of 50 Scott Base and NZDF
personal to the winter team of 10 to 20 people.
This team occupies and runs the base for five
months of darkness waiting the next summer
season of science.
NZ Army engineers undertaking major work in preparation for the re-build of the Hillary Field Centre.
The first flag in 1957 was raised by AB Tito and this year
AMT(P) Sam Shannon took the reins of lowering the
summer flag. This day was a great opportunity for Graeme
Ayres, Manager of Operations, Antarctica New Zealand,
to show both his and the science community's thanks to
everyone who has worked over the summer season at
Scott Base, and wish luck to the team for the winter as
they take over the leadership of the base.
It was LCPL Armstrong’s second deployment to
Antarctica as one of the base staff's heavy machine plant
operators. “The experience is something that I will carry
with me for the rest of my life. It has been said that you
can leave Antarctica, however Antarctica will never leave
you. That’s true.”
armyPEOPLE17
issue 460 | March 2015
In the first of a series of articles, Army News looks at aspects of our
Defence Recruiting Organisation, who its members are, and why they are
passionate about their work.
Commander
Wayne
Burtton
Commanding Officer of
the Defence Recruiting
Organisation (DRO)
and Director of Defence
Recruiting (DDR).
What is your job description and what does it
involve?
To get someone to the gate for training requires a well
organised team of marketers, recruiters and candidate
co-ordinators to attract, select and prepare good
quality candidates. I manage the team to ensure the
candidate’s journey is efficient, and that they are well
prepared to succeed in recruit course and into the initial
part of their career.
DRO, with a new approach of centralised, tri-service
recruiting, was stood up as a unit of almost 100
personnel in 2011. It’s an exciting role as my team has
a direct influence in shaping the future of our Defence
Force. My role focuses on managing consistency
across the various teams, ensuring compliance and
providing leadership. As DDR I focus on ensuring DRO
meets organisational outputs, principally ensuring
recruitment targets are met for each of the Services,
both in quality and quantity.
Why did you choose the DRO?
As cheesy as it sounds I wanted to be at the leading
edge of a capability without which the NZDF would
not exist. Since being stood up, the DRO has recruited
every individual that has since joined including
civilian staff. These young men and women are now
functioning members of the NZDF and are beginning to
assume leadership positions.
What do you enjoy about the job?
The interaction with my geographically dispersed
team, although challenging, is enjoyable. The country
is divided into three regions (Northern, Central and
Southern) and each region has unique characteristics.
They are all professional and are committed to
delivering the future talent to the NZDF.
What’s something unusual you’ve experienced
through the DRO?
Although not necessarily unusual the most interesting
experience is the passion parents have in determining
the success of their kids. Parents often contact the
DRO in support of their kids when their kids have been
declined entry. Parents can be ‘passionate’ on behalf
of their kids – despite the fact that, for some, they are
over 20!
What is your hobby outside of work?
PT, reading and riding my motorbike. My house is
totally maintenance free, not even gardens. This allows
me time to tramp or run through the bush, and when
the weather is bad - as it can often be in Wellington –
read. You can’t beat Wellington on a good day though,
and that’s when I like to get out on my bike.
18armyPEOPLE
issue 460 | March 2015
HONOUR TO RECEIVE MILITARY RECOGNITION,
SAYS CIVILIAN EDITOR
By Jacqui Gibson
Army News editor Judith Martin received two service medals
in March, recognising more than 20 years’ reporting for the
Defence Force from trouble zones around the world.
Over that time, her stories have appeared in NZDF
publications such as Army News, as well as national
newspapers and magazines, including the Otago Daily
Times, the Dominion Post, the New Zealand Woman’s
Weekly and Mana magazine.
On 3 March, at a ceremony in Wellington’s Freyberg
House, Chief of Army Major General Dave Gawn presented
Judith with the New Zealand Special Service Medal (Asian
Tsunami) and New Zealand Operational Service Medal.
Judith says she was honoured to receive the medals. “I’ve
always felt lucky to have this job and to have the opportunity
to tell the stories of the men and women on the frontline. To
me, our people are our best PR tool. They’re professional,
committed and extremely knowledgeable about what they’re
doing. And that comes through in their stories.”
In January 2004, Judith was part of the team sent to
Banda Aceh following the devastating earthquake and
tsunami. Deployed with a Defence medical team she wrote
a series of articles and releases on the NZDF work carried
out in the region. For that service, she received her special
service medal.
Her operational service medal reflected more than 87
days in operational theatres, including the Arabian Gulf in
1995, Bougainville in 1997 and 2002, Papua New Guinea
in 1998, East Timor in 1999 and Sinai, Israel and Syria in
2005. Between 2006 and 2008, Judith filed stories from
Afghanistan and Timor-Leste.
Judith says she’s loved being a part of a largely civilian
public affairs team – first as an assistant editor with the
Ministry of Defence back in the early 90s and now as editor
of Army News for NZDF.
“I think being a civilian has had distinct advantages. You
can hone in on the human aspects of military life and the
things that most interest the public. Also, I haven’t had to
acknowledge rank in the same way, which has given me
access to people of all ranks.
“Overall, as a civilian, I’ve found Army people to be
extremely willing to share their stories and patient, too –
they are always willing to explain what they do, especially
the technical aspects of their jobs.”
“For many years now, the military has been my boss and
it’s really special to have this kind of recognition.”
Judith’s husband Brendan and son Ryan attended the
medal presentation, alongside colleagues from Defence
Public Affairs.
NZDF medals advisor Mr Jack Hayes said any civilians
who had not been recognised for their service should
contact Defence’s medals section. “Many people do not
realise they can accumulate service for the NZOSM and for
campaign medals.”
The Chief of Army, Major General Dave Gawn pins the medals on.
Kiwi winner
at Aus college
Major Al Mitchell of the New Zealand Army finished
second overall and won the Overseas Course Member
prize at the Australian Command and Staff College.
Major Mitchell receives his prize.
New interpretive heritage signs for the historic Trentham Ranges
From left, Ross Mason (NRANZ Chairman), Michael Kelly (Heritage Consultant), Harley O’Hagan, Bernie Sorenson
(Heretaunga Pistol Club President), and Major Toni Duffield (Trentham Camp Commandant).
Interpretive heritage signs for the historic Trentham
Ranges were unveiled at a ceremony last month.
The signs, which detail a wide rnage of information
about the ranges, were unveiled in the National Rifle
Association’s board room near the corner of Messines Ave
and Freyberg Rd in Trentham.
Heritage consultant Michael Kelly spoke on the history
of the shooting range complex, which has been in use
since the 1890s. Expeditionary forces for the Boer War
and both world wars trained at the Trentham Ranges,
and they remain the home of NZ’s oldest sporting trophy,
the Ballinger Belt. A new website that allows the public
to search and view graffiti left on the range walls by
soldiers leaving Trentham to serve in World War 2 was
also officially launched. The web address for the graffiti
website is www.graffiti.uhcl.recollect.co.nz which is linked
to Upper Hutt City Library’s Recollect site.
The Trentham Ranges are active live-fire military ranges,
and public access is strictly prohibited. People with
queries regarding the heritage of the range complex
are invited to contact Mr Harley O’Hagan, Senior
Environmental Officer, Defence Property Group on 04 587
2008 or email [email protected].
armyPEOPLE19
issue 460 | March 2015
Fifty years’
service recognised
Major Terry O’Neill was farewelled from the Army earlier this month after
50 years’ service.
Family, friends and colleagues attended a lunch in his honour at Papakura Camp.
RNZIR Colonel of the Regiment Colonel (Rtd) Baden Ewart said MAJ O’Neill’s legacy for
the regiment was in the lives of the soldiers he has influenced.
“I have been thinking about just what a half-century of service means in real terms.
If a generation is about 20 years or so, then Terry’s service is about two and a half
generations; but for infantry soldiers, the generations pass much more quickly. If we
assume five years is a generation of soldiers in our regiment; then Terry has made a
difference to ten generations.
“Much of Terry’s life has been an example of service. What he will never know is the
extent of the positive impact his personal example has, and will continue to make on the
current and future generations.
“I recall when were both young NCOs we were guided by some people who at the time
appeared to be hard and difficult. Fact is they too set an example which, though our
generation, finds expression in the soldiers of today. That’s a pretty good legacy.
“For Terry, whose service has not been without personal tragedy, our regiment
recognises your example, your commitment, and your legacy. Few among us have made
the journey you have made, but all of us have made many of the same patrols. Look into
the trees, watch for sign of friendly ahead, and know that we watch out for you.
“You have enriched the lives of all the infantry soldiers you have touched; and made
mine better for knowing you. Well done, thank you, our regiment salutes you.”
Major O’Neill and his wife Makaara.
New Zealand Army recruit advertising 1899–1999
By Major Dan Wildy
Printed Army recruiting ephemera, such as posters,
pamphlets and leaflets provide a unique entry point into
exploring and understanding our social history. The themes
used in such items– how they have reflected changes in
New Zealand society, and how they reflect the army’s selfperceived role in New Zealand society— are all fascinating
subjects largely untouched in existing literature. As a
doctoral candidate at Massey University, these are some of
the questions I hope to explore and is so doing provide new
insights into our country’s past.
Ephemera itself, however, provides only the entry point.
Personal accounts and recollections are what will give
this study real value and bring it to life as a piece of social
history. If you were at some time in your past on the end
of New Zealand Army recruitment efforts, or possibly part
of a recruiting team, your recollections would be greatly
appreciated. Gaining access to any anecdotes you might
remember, or copies of photographs and ephemera items you
possess would add considerably to the thoroughness and
value of this thesis.
If you would like to discuss this topic further or have
something to contribute, please contact me at
[email protected] or Major D Wildy, C/- Linton Camp Officer’s
Mess, Linton Military Camp, Private Bag, Palmerston North.
20armyTRAINING
issue 460 | March 2015
Dropping
from the sky
Fast roping and rappelling in Burnham
Burnham based soldiers completed their final qualifying fast rope descents
on their Air mobile course recently. The course involved two weeks practising
rappelling, fast rope and hover jumping techniques to allow the rapid insertion of
troops from a rotary wing platform.
The course was one of the last time these techniques were used by Burnham
soldiers from the UH 1H Iroquois flown by 3 Squadron, with the helicopters due to
be retired from service soon.
Photos: LCPL Sterling Waters
armyTRAINING21
issue 460 | March 2015
22armyPEOPLE
issue 460 | March 2015
Burnham camp sports awards 2014
Sport has an important role within the NZ Army. It promotes
the achievement of high fitness standards, teamwork, esprit
de corps and comradeship. It also enhances the image of
the NZ Army in the local community. On Wednesday 11 Feb
2015 it was an opportunity to acknowledge the sporting
achievements of the Burnham sporting community at the
2014 Burnham Camp Sports Awards. The event was held in
the Burnham WO’s & SGT’s mess and the sporting codes of
Burnham camp were well represented.
The sporting codes of Burnham come under umbrella of
Army Sports South (ASSth). The five categories for the sports
awards were as follows:
• Army Sports South Youth Sports person of the year,
• Army Sports South Coach of the year,
• Army Sports South Administrator of the year,
• Army Sports South Team of the year, and
• Army Sports South Individual Sports person of the year.
There was a high calibre of nominees this year, with four
of the different nominees achieving national honours in
their respective sports. The task of selecting the eventual
winners was left to the ASSth executive committee, ASSth
Chairperson Maj Bowyer, Camp Commandant Maj Gardner,
ASSth exec committee secretary Jo Barrett and the RPTA
Burnham Camp WO2 Miratana.
The nominees and winners for the awards were:
Army Sports South Youth Sports person of the year
Ruby Keno
Touch/Netball
Terina Keno
Touch/Netball and Softball
Joseph Taipari
Touch/League (recipient)
Army Sports South Coach of the year
Lcpl Manu Taufa
Rugby
SSgt Phil Witchell
Hockey
SSgt Geoff Bright
Volleyball (recipient)
Army Sports South Administrator of the year
Ms Paddy Whare
League
WO2 Nicola Ruki
Netball/Softball and Touch
(recipient)
Army Sports South Team of the year
Southern Regional
Golf
Southern Regional
Volleyball
Burnham Bengi’s
Touch (recipient)
Army Sports South Individual Sports person of the year
LCPL Manu Taufa, Joseph Taipari, Paddie Whare, WO2 Nicola Ruki, PTE Gerard Bell, SSGT Geoff Bright
Front row from left: Terina Keno, Ruby Keno, Hunter Keno, LCPL Paul Davis
2Lt Nick Wellwood
Cricket
Pte Kaylib Heke
League
Pte Gerard Bell
Triathlon
Lcpl Paul Davis
Touch/Rugby
WO1 Jason Keno
Touch (recipient)
Congratulations to all the nominees and recipients.
A special mention is reserved for the coaching and
administrator categories, whose selfless dedication
to their code ensures that sport remains strong within
Burnham camp.
Book review
RAMPANT DRAGONS: NEW ZEALANDERS IN ARMOUR IN WORLD WAR II
By Jeffrey Plowman
Reviewed by Lieutenant Colonel (Rtd) Terry Kinloch
Jeffrey Plowman has done more to record the history of
armoured vehicles in the New Zealand Army than any
other person. Over many years, he has published many
journal and magazine articles, a series of monographs,
and a number of books, all dealing with various aspects
of our armoured history. “Rampant Dragons” was first
published in 2002, and this new edition followed in 2014.
The book deals thoroughly with the three main campaigns
of the Second World War in which New Zealand AFVs
took part – North Africa, Italy and the Pacific. The book is
magnificently produced, and it forms an excellent addition
to the military history of New Zealand. Jeffrey’s father was
captured at El Mreir, near El Alamein, after British armour
failed to support an attack by the 6th (NZ) Brigade in 1942,
so he has a personal interest in armoured operations.
It is not generally known that the 2nd (NZ) Division
included a full armoured brigade, equipped with about
150 Sherman tanks, for nearly two full years. When
our infantry division began the war, its only armoured
component was the 2nd (NZ) Divisional Cavalry Regiment,
and that armour was very light indeed. It was incapable of
standing up to German panzers, and that was not its role.
It became clear after the defeat of France and the invasion
of Greece by the Germans that a lightly-armed infantry
division without guaranteed armoured support (either
its own tanks or guaranteed support from other tank
formations) was always going to be vulnerable to attack
by German tank and motorised formations. Major General
Freyberg realised this in 1940, and he began a protracted
campaign to get his hands on some decent tanks for his
precious division. To cut a long story short, the 4th (NZ)
Brigade, an infantry formation, was converted to armour
in 1942/43. Jeffrey tells this important story in detail,
including the formation of the 1st (NZ) Army Tank Brigade
in New Zealand – the force raised to provide Freyberg with his
tanks. The formation sign of the tank brigade was ‘a dragon,
rampant’ – hence the title of this book.
The story of the piecemeal arrival of Stuart, Matilda and
Valentine tanks in New Zealand, and the subsequent training
of the men of the brigade, is a fascinating one, and not just
for a former tankie (this reviewer). The book contains many
interesting personal stories from the men who trained on
the tanks and who subsequently fought them in Italy and the
Pacific. Most of the book deals with the North African and
Italian campaigns, as the Pacific story was relatively brief
and small in scale. The North African section of the book
describes the several occasions, including at El Mreir, when
New Zealand infantrymen were let down by British armoured
forces, resulting in heavy losses to both the 4th and 6th (NZ)
Brigades. Even Charles Upham, VC and Bar, could not take on
massed German panzers, and he was captured at Ruweisat
Ridge along with much of the 4th Brigade.
The Italian section of the book is the biggest, as the new
4th (NZ) Armoured Brigade fought throughout this protracted
and difficult campaign. Our Sherman tanks had a rough
time of it in Italy, as the mountainous terrain did not permit
rapid armoured movement. As often as not, our tanks were
consigned to fire support roles. They did undertake a more
direct fighting role on occasion, including at Cassino, where
they were sent in to the town in support of our infantry. In
the final operation of the war, New Zealand’s tanks were
finally unleashed, and they pursued the defeated Germans
into Trieste – only to come face-to-face with Tito’s Yugoslav
partisans, in what is often described as the first confrontation
of the Cold War. The presence of Kiwi tanks helped to
convince Tito to back down. Fortunately for our tank crewmen,
encounters with German tanks of any type were uncommon in
Italy, and encounters with the formidable Tiger tank were rare.
It often took several Shermans operating together to kill a
Tiger, and this actually happened on at least one occasion.
This is a book both for tankies and wannabe tankies (by
whom I mean everyone else). It tells the almost-unknown
story of a major Kiwi fighting force in the Second World
War. This excellent book should help to remind us that
there were other units in the 2nd (NZ) Division besides
the 28th (Maori) Battalion. It is the hope of this reviewer
that the other forgotten battalions and regiments of the
division will also receive the attention that they deserve in
the future. We all owe Jeffrey Plowman a vote of thanks for
his contribution to this worthy cause.
LTCOL Kinloch is an historian and author, and a former
QAMR officer.
armySPORT23
issue 460 | March 2015
CPL Richard Woodhead, Batter of the tournament
Inter-Service Cricket 2015
Inter-services cricket was
hosted by the RNZN in
Devonport and played at the
home of the North Shore
Cricket Club in February.
Due to a lack of a fourth team and for something different
the organisers planned to form a NZ Defence Force Barbarian
team. This team was made up of extra players from all three
Service sides. The upside to this was the inclusion of more
players to the Inter-Service fold and gain exposure to the
level and standard of cricket expected at this tournament.
The NZ Army sides draw saw them face the RNZN first, then
the NZDF Barbarians followed by the RNZAF on the last day of
the tournament.
The Army did not perform well at all against Navy which saw
them lose the game by 7 wickets and 35 overs to spare.
There were very few highlights for Army, these being
Richard Woodhead’s high score of 32 (noting no one else
made double figures) and a wicket each for Kevin Hurrell, Phil
Lelievre and Caleb Bate.
The second game of the tournament required a real shift in
the performance and a requirement for the guys to work hard
at the crease and value their wicket. Army won the toss and
elected to bat, unfortunately they hadn’t learnt a great deal
from the day before and quickly found themselves 8 wickets
down for 84 runs and still requiring to face another 28 overs.
Luckily for Army, Caleb Bate decided to stick around and
score a few runs, by that it means 167 runs from 113 balls. An
innings that included a tenth wicket partnership of 123 runs
(the number 11 batsman scored 6 of these) and 19 fours and
Tom Barclay
LCPL Cate Bate against Air Force. He scored 58 runs.
Tom Barclay defending a short ball.
11 sixes. As a result of this innings the Army was able to post
a competitive score of 242.
The bowlers finally stepped up to the mark and secured
a 91 run win with 7 overs to spare. Key bowlers were Scott
Roxburgh with 4–13 from 5 overs (he also got two catches)
and Scott MacGibbon with 3–22 from 8 overs. The fielders
performed well with Kevin Hurrell and Nick Wellwood both
taking two catches each.
With a loss to Navy on Day One, the Army needed to beat
the Air Force convincingly in order to win the Bill Morley
Trophy. With this in mind and having won the toss, Army
decided to bowl.
The opening bowling pair restricted the Air Force and Army
looked in a good position at drinks with the Air Force on 73
for 3 from 21 overs. Phil Lelievre only went for 30 runs from
his 10 overs but unfortunately he wasn’t able to take a wicket.
The following 29 overs were very costly for Army and they
found themselves short one more consistent bowler. The Air
Force batted well and compiled a very good score of 320 for
6 from their 50 overs. The other bowlers that chipped in were
Scott MacGibbon with 2 for 34 from 10 overs, Mike Clulow
with 3 for 55 from 6 overs and Caleb Bate with 2 for 56 also
from 6 overs. Scott Roxburgh took two good catches in the
outfield, but one resulted in him breaking the tip of one of his
fingers, ultimately ruling him out of the batting line up.
With 321 as the target, the Army side needed to start well
and build good pressure on the Air Force bowlers. Again this
pressure was applied by the bowling side and Army quickly
found themselves 3 wickets down in the 21st over with only
74 on the board. A similar score to that of the Air Force, this
gave the Army a little hope, this hope was converted by Tom
Barclay and Caleb Bate as they put on 109 for the 4th wicket.
They both found themselves out, trying to push the run rate,
scoring 79 and 58 respectively. Army at that point needed 130
runs from 10 overs and with Kevin Hurrell scoring 33 from 16
balls, it seemed on the cards. Unfortunately a quick 17 (14
balls) from James Guild-Inder and 17 not out (8 balls) from
Scott MacGibbon weren’t enough to chase down the 321.
Army lost by 60 runs.
As a result of the two loses to the other service teams, Army
find themselves in 3rd place, with a little bit of face saving to
do at the tournament next year.
Tom Barclay and Phil Lelievre were selected in the NZDF side
and Caleb Bate won the Batter of Tournament award after
scoring 233 runs at an average of 77.6 runs.
A couple of NZ Army players did themselves proud while
representing NZDF Barbarians, these were:
• Mike Clulow with 4 wickets against the RNZAF.
• Brendan Stewart with 3 wickets against the RNZAF, 2
against Army and 3 against the Navy.
• Jesse Voice with 4 wickets against Army.
• Andrew Reddin 1 wicket and 32 runs against the Navy.
We now look forward the IDCC Cricket Tour in November this
year. If you play cricket and are interested please contact your
Regional Reps (Auckland – SSGT Tim Medland, Linton – SGT
Kevin Hurrell and Burnham – SGT Terry Horne).
24armySPORT
issue 460 | March 2015
2015 INTER-UNIT TOUCH
CHAMPIONSHIPS
This year saw NZ Army Touch move from the traditional
inter-region competition format to an inter-unit Touch
Championship hosted by 1(NZ) Brigade, Linton in January
2015. The tournament was a resounding success.
Participation levels for Army Touch increased significantly
with ten men’s teams and three women’s teams from across
NZ Army competing over a three day tournament. What
exceeded everyone’s expectations was the standard of touch
on display and the very obvious esprit de corps from players
and spectators alike.
A number of playoff games produced classic matchups
ending with the two finals TG6/ 2HSB(NZ) vs 2CSS BN in the
men’s grade and 2HSB(NZ) vs 2CSS BN in the women’s grade.
The women’s grade was close throughout the tournament.
In the final this competition continued with 2CSS BN coming
into the final arguably as underdogs against a strong
2HSB(NZ) side. That tag was replaced with the Women’s
Championship title as they ended up beating 2HSB(NZ) in a
drop-off match. The Most Valuable Player for the Women’s
Grade was PTE Cheyanne Ngerengere, 2CSS BN.
2CSS BN men’s team had previously disposed of 1RNZIR
in an epic semi-final game and backed up against the
tournament favourites TG6/ 2HSB(NZ). Although very close in
the first half, the men’s final was eventually dominated by the
TG6/ 2HSB(NZ) side. The Most Valuable Player for the Men’s
Grade was TPR H from TG6. The Most Promising Player from
the tournament was PTE Tama Toa Ropati, 1RNZIR.
The transition to inter unit competition was always
intended as feeding off the teamwork and esprit de
corps that is entrenched within NZ Army units. Continued
traditional rivalry between units was evident on and off
the field, but was and is still regarded as a healthy conflict
among comrades.
Three very strong NZ Army teams (women’s, men’s, Over
30 men’s) were selected from this tournament to compete at
the 2015 NZDF Touch Tournament (report next Army News).
NZ Army Touch would like to thank the Chairperson NZ
Army Sport, Comd TRADOC and the Comd Team from 1(NZ)
Brigade for their support and taking a chance with this new
competition format.
armySPORT25
issue 460 | March 2015
26armySPORT
issue 460 | March 2015
FROM TIMOR TO TAURANGA
By MAJ John Humphries
As my time was coming to an end for my posting
of over two years in Timor-Leste, I knew I had to
find an event to test myself in preparation for
Ironman NZ which is to be in less than three months
after my RTNZ. I had completed two Ironman NZ
events in Taupo whilst on leave from Timor and
knew that I was definitely behind the 8-ball with
only being able to train on an Exercycle, in a small
swimming pool, and whilst running dodging taxi’s,
motorbikes, buffalo, pigs, even chased by wild
monkeys, dogs and once running across a wideeyed crocodile which was great for sprint training.
So whilst I was still in Timor and with my RTNZ
date of December, I started looking for events in
January 2015. The Port of Tauranga Half Ironman
was the first event on the calendar. Unfortunately,
I arrived in New Zealand straight into a family
wedding followed by the usual Christmas activities,
but didn’t have access to my event cycle, so it was a
continuum of the dreaded Exercycle.
Heading to Tauranga I gained access to my event
bike 24 hours before the Port of Tauranga Half
Ironman, a quick ride of 30 minutes to get use
to the gears etc and I checked my bike in after
Registration.
The day started well with the 2 Km Swim, then
out onto the bike leg with the unusual January rain
kicking in right on cue. The bike leg was certainly
different to an Exercycle with the head winds and
the wet surface on the roads throughout various
stages of the two lap circuit on the 90 Km course.
The Tauranga sun and heat came out right on cue
also for the run leg. I hadn’t practiced much running
due to a reoccurring calf strain but it held out great
for the Half Marathon, but with little running from
bike training I certainly felt it in my legs for the run.
My time was 6 hrs 19 mins for the 2 Km Swim, 90
Km Cycle and Half Marathon Run, which I was pretty
happy with, all things considered. Many thanks
to my Coach Ray Boardman from Qwikkiwi and
supporters such as CAPT (Ret’d) Lincoln Nicholls
and SGT Suzy Landers as she offered support as
she ran past me.
New Z
Physical
New Zealand Army
Physical Training Corps
New Zealand Army
Physical Training Corps
NZAPTC
23-29
New Zealand Army
New Zealand
Physical Training Corps
NZAPTC SELECTION
NZAPTC
SELECTION
23–29
May 2015
NZAPTC
SELECTION
23-29
May
2015gymnasium for details
See your
nearest
23-29 May 2015
Physical Trainin
New
Physica
armySPORT27
issue 460 | March 2015
RUGBY LEAGUE LEGENDS TOUR GOLD COAST
2014 MASTERS INTERNATIONAL RUGBY LEAGUE TOURNAMENT
The NZ Army Rugby League Masters Team competed in the
International Masters Tournament held in Southport on the
Gold Coast late last year. The tournament had 52 teams from
New Zealand, Australia, Great Britain and the Cook Islands.
For most it was good to get the old boots out, wipe off the
dubbin and for some, to squeeze into their shorts. The
sportsmanship, respect and goodwill shown by NZ Army both
on and off the field was a true display of the spirit of Masters.
The first game saw the Army Team play Quaker Hill from
Sydney. After a hard fought first half NZ Army came out on
attack the second half and opened the tournament with a
20-8 win. One would have thought they were watching a
normal Saturday senior game not Masters.
The second game was against Redcliffe Dolphins from
Brisbane. Both teams put on some good displays of hard
running in attack and solid tackles in defence. The Army
Team was made to work hard until the final whistle in a tightly
contested game winning four nil.
The third game was against the Toukley Hawkes from
Central Coast. This was to be the closest game of the
tournament. Both teams were evenly matched for size and
skills putting on a good display of all round rugby league
which was thoroughly enjoyed by all supporters and ended in
an 8 all draw.
The tournament ended with the playing of the test matches
between NZ and Australia. Congratulations to SSGT Joe
Waiariki selected for the NZ 40–49’s team, and WO1 Barrie
Law selected for the NZ 50–59’s team both of whom join 11
other players who have represented NZ. Joe has been playing
for the NZ Army Masters for the past three years and was a
Team leading the march on during the opening
Team shot after the last game
member of the NZ Army Senior Team. He is also the outgoing
coach of the NZ Army Rugby League Team winning the 2014
Inter-Service Competition. Joe’s game for the 40–49’s team
was a fast game with the Australian’s using their fullback
to attack near the NZ line to score and leave the Kiwis down
at the end of the game. Barrie has been involved in Rugby
League for over 30 years and has held numerous positions
including the Chairperson for both the NZ Army and InterService. Another hard fought game with the Aussies again
coming out on top.
The atmosphere of the tournament was awesome with
family travelling from New Zealand to support the team, also
a large contingent of family and supporters from Australia.
There was a good turn out of ex-serviceman that turned up
to support with hours of laughs and joking reminiscing the
good old days in the army. As one of the lads said “It’s a
comradeship that others don’t understand”. It was good to
catch up with all the old and new friends from the different
teams. As they say in Masters “There are no strangers in
Masters Rugby League, just friends that haven’t met yet”.
Thanks to the players and supporters, and in particular our
manager Louise Waiariki for her usual hard work to get us to
the tournament. Also to Jasmine Kahukiwa for her strapping
skills that allowed us to hold together for another year, a big
thanks to Dave Pilgrim, Army Sport, and the Singapore Fund
for the support provided to our team.
Later this year the NZ Army will celebrate 10 years of
involvement with Masters Rugby League. The tournament
will be held 12–18 September 2015 at Mountford Park,
Manurewa, Auckland.
Jason Houia about to feed the line
Neville Hinga leading the charge supported by Shane
Burton, Jason Rapana and Jason Houia
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old.
We grow old because we stop playing.”
Steve Flaws, Joe Waiariki and Shane Burton
scrummaging against Quaker Hill
LCPL Pareura Katoa (NZAPTC) touches down with no opposition in sight.