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What is Cadets?

New Zealand Cadet Forces (NZCF)

The NZCF is a uniformed, military-based youth development organisation for teens and is made up of Air Training Corps (Air Force), Sea Cadet Corps (Navy), and NZ Cadet Corps (Army).

The organisation is not part of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), but is directed by the Chief of Defence Force, and is supported in partnership by the NZDF and the community.

Our aims are to foster a spirit of adventure and teamwork and to develop those qualities of mind and body essential for good citizens and leaders. To provide challenging and disciplined training activities, useful in service and civilian life. To promote an awareness of the NZDF and the role it plays in the community.

Nelson Cadet Unit

NCU is part of the NZ Cadet Corps, the land force component of the NZCF and is aligned with the NZ Army. Our training is focused on Leadership, Teamwork, Competition, Physical and Adventure based activities.

The army cadet movement in Nelson has been around since the late 1800s and is one of the first cadet units to be raised in NZ. Based at Nelson College, the unit was only available to the school’s students and was run by teachers and servicemen of the time. In 1971 the Defence Act established the NZCF and in 1987 Nelson Cadet Unit was established, opening its doors to all of Nelson’s youth.

NCU operates under the Vision, Mission, Ethos and Values of the NZCF. These values form the backbone of our thinking and the way we operate. Complementing these, the unit has developed its own values set: Discipline, Respect and Professionalism. All members of NCU live the ethos and values both during unit activities and at home.

Our Values

NCU operates under the Vision, Mission, Ethos, and Values of the NZCF. These values form the backbone of our thinking and the way we operate. Complementing these, the unit has developed its own value set, Discipline, Respect, and Professionalism. All members of NCU live the ethos and values both during unit activities and at home.

DISCIPLINE | Ārahi Tika – The ability to self-motivate and maintain the highest standards in everything we do regardless of the task, the difficulty, and the conditions.
RESPECT | Hōnore – For people, cultures, systems, property, community, and self.
PROFESSIONALISM | Mātauranga – Operating with integrity and a mature approach to all situations. Maintaining a high standard of appearance in line with the parent service.

New Zealand Cadet Forces Values

COURAGE– Being reliable and loyally serving and supporting the NZCF, local communities, and New Zealand
COMMITMENT – Being reliable and loyally serving and supporting the NZCF, local communities, and New Zealand
COMRADESHIP – Looking out for each other, having respect for all, and championing the benefits of friendship, teamwork, and diversity
INTEGRITY – Having self-discipline and always being honest, trustworthy, and responsible.

Timings

NCU meets every Tuesday evening of the school term from 1830hrs to 2115hrs (6:30pm to 9:15pm).
We also offer many other various weekend activities, which cadets are briefed on prior to the exercises.