Sixty Porirua based cadets marched out for the last time this year in front of friends, family and NZ Defence Force personnel at the end of year parade on Saturday 1st December.
New Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral (RADM) Jack Steer was reviewing officer for the three local Cadet units, T.S. Taupo, City of Porirua Cadet Unit and No. 41 (City of Porirua) Squadron.
“The Cadet Forces represent an important part of New Zealand society; they demonstrate commitment and teamwork, values that we also hold close in the military,” RADM Steer said.
“It is a great opportunity to review these units and their yearly achievements. Anything we can do to develop our young people into confident leaders is worth supporting,” says Rear Admiral Steer.
The parade is held to recognise the hard work and commitment put in by volunteers throughout the year and often rewards some with promotions and awards.
Rear Admiral Steer was joined by the Mayor of Porirua, Nick Leggett, Air Vice Marshal Peter Adamson (Rtd) , Major General Lou Gardiner (Rtd) , Commandant of the New Zealand Cadet Forces, Commander Glen Stokes as well as representatives from the Royal New Zealand Air Force Association and Returned and Services Association.
The three units will now shut down over the Christmas period and return again early next year to begin the annual training with a new intake.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, December 10, 2012; Image: New Zealand Navy