Gallery

Annual Bushcraft Camp

Over the weekend 8 - 9 February 2025, we hosted our annual Bushcraft Camp, bringing together cadets from nine units across the Wellington region. The camp introduced new cadets to essential camping skills, including tent pitching, camp cooking, knot tying, lashing, and bivouac construction.

For senior cadets, the camp provided opportunities to take on more advanced challenges, including day hikes, survival skills training, first aid, and leadership development in a real-world outdoor setting.

British and European Car Day

On 9 February 2025, we turned out to Trentham Memorial Park to support the British and European Car Day and help fundraise for the unit and Wellington Free Ambulance.

End of year parade, prize giving and promotions

What a fantastic night last night celebrating everything we've achieved this year!

Congratulations to all the cadets who gave their best and worked hard throughout the year – you made your unit proud! A special thank you to the friends and family who joined us and made the celebration even more special. Your support means everything!

End Of Year Camp 2024 

Over the weekend 29 Nov - 1 Dec, 21 and 22 Sqns held an End of Year Camp, bringing together over 100 cadets from 13 units. With fun as our main objective, we’re proud to say mission accomplished! From teamwork challenges to unforgettable moments, it was a perfect way to close out the year. 

Exercise Skyhawk 2024

22 Squadron cadets took part in Exercise Skyhawk, the Central Area Aviation Skills Competition, held at RNZAF Base Ohakea between 10 - 12 October. Competing against 12 other Central Area squadrons, the cadets showcased their training across a variety of challenges.

The team delivered an impressive performance, securing:

- 3rd place in the Davey Drill Trophey

- 3rd place in Ratel

- 3rd place in the Range Shoot

- 3rd place in the Personal Training Fitness Test

- 2nd place in the Cadet Force and General Service Knowledge Test

Most importantly, the cadets had a fantastic time, working hard, and coming away with 3rd place overall

Exercise Poseidon 5-6 October 2024

With cadets from all over the Wellington region we supported Wellington Region Emergency Management Office (WREMO)  Exercise Poseidon by providing simulated casualties and other role players. This exercise gave New Zealand Response Teams (NZRTs) from across the North Island the opportunity to come together in Wellington to test their ability to respond to a large scale emergency event, the 36-hour scenario simulating a large earthquake hitting Wellington and giving our cadets  a chance to see the very important role that these volunteers play in the aftermath of large scale emergencies.     

Firearms safety and shooting

Cadet Force units conduct regular firearms safety training with .22 calibre target rifles. This training also further develops self-discipline, confidence and teamwork. Cadets must complete a firearms safety training day and pass a Dry Firing Training Test (DFTT) before being allowed to live fire on the range. Cadets can be awarded skills badges in Rifle Proficiency, First Class Shooting and Marksmanship as their shooting skills develop, compete in National and International Cadet Shooting Competitions and qualify as shooting coaches. All firearms activities are conducted by qualified Range Conducting Officers and Shooting Coaches.

Winter Camp 15-16 June 2024

This weekend, we had a blast at our annual winter camp!  Our cadets got to embrace the chilly outdoors and dive into some epic survival skills training. They built emergency shelters, mastered river crossings (on the grass), and tackled basic first aid. It was a weekend full of learning and adventure! 

Promotions 11 May 2024

During the April School Holidays, we had four 22 Squadron Cadets embark on promotion courses.

CPL Stephens went away on the Junior NCO course over the first week of the holiday. She did exceptionally well in all aspects of the course and came away being presented the Top Student award for JNCO 02/24.

Over the second week, we had SGTs Bussan, Colbert, and Walkinshaw successfully graduate from the Senior NCO course. With another fantastic demonstration of the skills required, SGT Buassan was presented the Top Student award for SNCO 02/24.

With this success, all four Cadets were promoted for their efforts on Tuesday night. Congratulations to you all.

Gliding 2024

7 May 2024. As we head into winter, we have wrapped up our gliding at Papawai Airfiled for 2024. Throughout the summer, we had 46 flights in total shared between other Wellington units. For 22 Sqn, we had 24 cadets take flight.

We look forward to starting this programme again next summer.

Poppy Day 2024

On Friday 19 April, the Friday before ANZAC day, 22 SQN helped in assisting the Upper Hutt RSA with their annual Poppy Day appeal. Our cadets, alongside City Of Upper Hutt Cadet Unit, began in the early hours of the morning at the Upper Hutt Rail Stations before heading out to other locations, working closely with members of the RSA and Regular Force.

Bravo Zulu to the cadets involved, you did your unit and the RSA proud

Basic Cadet Training Weekend 01/24 

Over the weekend 5 - 7 April, 22 Squadron alongside 21 Squadron planned and hosted Basic Cadet Training weekend 01/24. The weekend focused in giving new cadets an opportunity to learn core cadet skills such as code of conduct, ranks, drill and uniform maintenance.

Additionally, the weekend provided a platform for our Junior Non-Commissioned Officers and new Officer Cadets to enhance their teaching methods and leadership skills while guiding the Basic Cadets.

Bushcraft Camp

Over the weekend 9-10 Mar 24, we ran our annual Bushcraft Camp, with 9 other units from the Wellington region in attendance. The camp focused on introducing new cadets to camping essentials, including pitching a tent, camp cooking, fire building (but not lighting due to a fire ban), bivouac construction, as well as knot tying and lashing.

The camp also gave more senior cadets the opportunity to embark on some higher level day walks, practice some survival skills in the bush and the opportunity to demonstrate their leadership capabilities.

Gliding 2024

British and European Car Day

On 11 Feb 2024, we gathered at Trentham Memorial Park for the yearly British and European Car Day. We contributed to fundraising for Wellington Free Ambulance, manned the gate, and supported our unit through a sausage sizzle. A heartfelt thanks to the cadets whose dedication and hard work were evident in the substantial amount we raised. 

End of Year Parade and Prizegiving 2023

On 12 December, our last parade night of the year, we celebrated the year's achievements at a spectacular end-of-year parade and prize giving.

Well done to all the cadets on the parade and the effort you have put in throughout the year. You did your unit proud. A special shout-out also to friends and family who joined us for this joyous occasion — your presence made the night even more special.

As we bid farewell to 2023, we extend warm season greetings to everyone and eagerly anticipate the adventures that 2024 will bring. Here's to a bright and exciting future!

End Of Year Camp 2023 

22 SQN hosted an incredible end-of-year camp this past weekend, drawing in more than 80 enthusiastic participants! Despite the rainy weather casting a slight shadow, the camp aimed to conclude the year with a blast, featuring a lineup of strategic challenging games and leadership activities. Everybody laughed, had a great time, and made many lasting memories. 

Wings Over Wairarapa 

Over the 24 - 26 November 2023, 22 Squadron, joined by 21 Squadron, proudly represented Cadet Forces at Wings Over Wairarapa. Despite challenging weather on Friday and Saturday, our cadets engaged with the public, sharing insights into their experiences and the perks of being a cadet. They also lent a hand to the RNZAF with various tasks.

In between, our cadets explored ground displays, including hands-on experiences with an LAV and three impressive RNZAF aircraft models. It was a fantastic opportunity for learning and interaction!

Exercise Skyhawk 2023

22SQN cadets attended Exercise Skyhawk, the Central Area Aviation Skills Competition at RNZAF Base Ohakea over 5 - 8 October to compete against 12 other Central Area Squadrons in a range of stands to test their cadet training.

The team did extremely well earning 3rd place in the Waterford Trophy, 3rd place in drone flying, 2nd place in riffle cleaning, 2nd place in the General Service knowledge and Cadet Force knowledge quiz, 2nd in First Aid, 2nd in the Davey Drill Competition, 1st in personal training and 1st place in Shooting, and most importantly, the team had lots of fun and worked really hard.

Congratulations to the team on their efforts

IACE Visit 18 July 2023  

The International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) is a association of 16 countries (Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Turkey, United Kingdom, and United States of America)

The purpose of the association is to plan and run an annual, world-wide exchange for aviation-minded young people each July. Each year over 500 young people are given the opportunity to expand their horizons, experience different cultures and make life-long friendships.

On 18 July 2023,together with 21 (District of Masterton) Squadron, we welcomed IACE visitors from Australia, the UK, USA, and the Republic of Korea at Trentham Military Camp as they visited Wellington on their journey from Christchurch to Auckland.

Promotion and Award of Bronze DoE badge

Congratulations to Cadet Corporal Caleb Walkinshaw on his promotion and for receiving his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.

After completing his JNCO course over the school holidays, he has returned with new skills and enhanced leadership abilities.

Cadet Corporal Walkinshaw has also worked extremely hard to obtain his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award, completing hours of Volunteer Service, Physical Recreation, Working on a Skill and completing an Adventurous Journey.

We are extremely proud of his hard work, dedication, and commitment to his cadet training.

Promotions - 23 May 23

Congratulations to Cadet Corporals Joseph Colbert, Angus Williams and Annabelle Barnes and Cadet Sergeant Liam Strawbridge on their promotions

After completing their JNCO and SNCO courses over the school holidays, they have returned with new skills and enhanced leadership abilities. We are extremely proud of their hard work, dedication and commitment to their cadet training.

Anzac Day 2023

22 Squadron along with City Of Upper Hutt Cadet Unit commemorated ANZAC day at the Upper Hutt Dawn Service before attending both the St John's and Stokes Valley services.

Being able to help our communities remember Anzac Day has been a honour.

Lest We Forget

Poppy Day 2023

On 21 April, 22 SQN helped in assisting the Upper Hutt RSA with their annual Poppy Day appeal. Our cadets, alongside City Of Upper Hutt Cadet Unit, began in the early hours of the morning at the Upper Hutt Rail Stations before heading out to other locations, working closely with members of the RSA and Regular Force.

Bravo Zulu to the cadets involved, you did your unit and the RSA proud

Basic Training Camp 2023

Over the weekend of 31 March  to 2 April, 22 Squadron and 21 Squadron hosted Basic Training Camp 2023 with 9 other units from all three corps in attendance. New cadets were taught the fundamentals of being a cadet with lessons in ranks, code of conduct, drill, and uniform maintenance. The weekend also gave an opportunity our Junior NCOs to do some personal development on the way they take lessons and lead their cadets.

Bushcraft 2023 

Over the weekend of 11-12 March, 22 squadron hosted Bushcraft 2023 with 8 other units in attendance. New cadets were taught the basics of camping, with lessons on how to put up a tent, using camp cookers, fire building, equipment, bivie building, knots and lashings. While the more senior cadets went on day tramp and were given the opportunity to show their leadership skills. 

Supporting the British and European Car Club

On Sunday 12 February, 22sqn supported the British and European Car Club with their annual meet, as well as supporting the fundraising for Wellington Free Ambulance. Cadets did a great job interacting with the community and representing the Cadet Forces. Well done team!

End of Year Parade, Prize Giving, and Promotions 2022

His Worship Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy reviewed the parade, presented prizes to our top cadets and the first clasp to the Cadet Forces Medal to Squadron Leader James Ferguson marking 20 years adult service to the NZCF.

Promotions - Traditionally this involves removing the current epaulette rank slides and and replacing them with slides showing the new rank.

From Cadet Sergeant to Cadet Flight Sergeant

From Cadet to Leading Air Cadet

POOL NIGHT 8 NOV 22

Completing the NZCF swim test and righting inflatables

Night Navigation - Harcourt Park - 25 Oct 22

We've orienteered in the rain, now we're orienteering in the dark!

NAVEX 22 - Catchpool Valley Campsite, Remutaka Forest Park 24 -25 Oct 22

Who said "If it's not raining, you're not training"?

Firearms Safety Training and Range Shoot

Trentham Camp and Upper Hutt Small Bore Range 21 - 22 May 2022

Cadets learn to operate the Marlin Model-XT .22 rifle and apply marksmanship principles under the supervision of qualified NZCF shooting coaches and range conducting officers.

SUPPORTING POPPY DAY

Upper Hutt Railway Stations and local shops and businesses 22 April 2022

We joined with army cadets from City of Upper Hutt Cadet Unit to support Upper Hutt RSA and collect for Poppy Day in Upper Hutt. 

BASIC BARRACKS WEEKEND

Trentham Military Camp 1 - 3 April 2022. 

Our new entrant cadets joined with new navy, army and air cadets from all over the Wellington area to learn the basic skills of an NZCF cadet, including uniform care and drill. Our NCOs also had a chance to refine their drill instruction techniques. 

BUSHCRAFT CAMP 

Kaitoke Regional Park 19 - 20 March 2022, with TS Tamatoa, 21 Squadron, City of Upper Hutt Cadet Unit

NAVIGATION AT TMP

Trying out our new working dress and practicing compass navigation by bearing distance at Trentham Memorial Park on 9 Nov.

EXERCISE SKYHAWK

We went to RNZAF Base Ohakea over Queen's Birthday weekend (4 - 7 Jun) to compete with other Central Area ATC Squadrons for the  75 Squadron Trophy and the Waterhouse Trophy in the ATC Area Skills Competition "Exercise Skyhawk"

Firearms Safety Training and Basic Shoot

On 8 May 2021 our new recruits trained to fire the NZDF Marlin .22" rifle, before live firing on 9 May. Training covers the safe handling of firearms, range procedures, and marksmanship principles including the dry firing training test (DFTT).

Cadets do live firing for competency and marksman qualifications and compete in national and international shooting competitions.

Presentation of Gliding Wings

Cadet Fabian Sivorarath recently made his first solo flight in a glider. This achievement was marked on 9 March 2021 when the unit commander of 22 Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Paul Byrne, presented Fabian with his gliding wings.

End of Year Parade and Prize Giving 2020

End of Year Camp: 5 - 6 Dec 2020 Mount Holdsworth

Firearms training and DFTT's

Air Cadets train to fire the NZDF Marlin .22" rifle  before live firing for competency and marksman qualifications and competing in national and international shooting competitions. Training covers the safe handling of firearms, range procedures, and marksmanship principles including the dry firing training test (DFTT).

Award of 4th Clasp to SQN LDR Foley

Squadron Leader Rob Foley was a former officer, unit commander and area support officer for 22 Squadron before becoming the NZCF International Exchanges officer. On 30 October 2020, the Chief of Defence Force - Air Marshal Kevin Short presented SQNLDR Foley with the fourth clasp to his cadet forces medal, marking 44 years adult service to the NZCF and New Zealand youth.

Anzac Day 2020 - We stood at dawn

Basic Bushcraft Camp 7-8 March 2020

Kaitoke Regional Park

British and European Car Day 

Trentham Memorial Park 9 Feb 2020 - Helping to raise funds for the unit and Wellington Free Ambulance