Two HBHS students have just been accepted into the RNZN. They've recently completed their final fitness test ahead of commencing Naval Officer Training in July 2024.

Rawiri Haua (left in the photo) is in Year 13 at HBHS and will join the RNZN as a Hydrographic Survey Officer. A description of the role follows:

• Hydrographic Survey Officers possess expertise across all facets of military hydrography. The maintenance of precise charts and geospatial data is critical for sea operations, particularly in coastal regions, reinforcing the pivotal role of hydrographers. Their tenure as surveyors facilitates the acquisition of diverse technical skills, utilising a broad spectrum of evolving software and hardware within this rapidly advancing field. The career of a Hydrographic Survey Officer begins with Warfare Officer training. Skills honed during the initial years, alongside course mates, evolve over time. Upon reaching Warfare Officer qualification milestones, specialisation in Hydrographic Survey Training follows. This path also offers the opportunity to eventually command a ship as a Captain.

Jack Fiddler (right in the photo) completed Year 13 in 2023 and is set to join the RNZN as a Marine Engineering Officer. He's also been awarded the Tangaroa Scholarship, a salary-based programme. Under this scheme, he'll serve as a full-time junior officer in the Navy and upon completing initial training will pursue a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) at an Auckland institution. The RNZN will fund all of Jack's studies, and he'll receive a salary while studying. The scholarship's total value is approx. $280k. On completion of his studies, Jack will serve on RNZN ships. Below is a description of the Marine Engineering Officer role:

• As a Marine Engineering Officer, one will oversee a team of proficient technicians responsible for operating and maintaining a variety of equipment aboard the ship. Additionally, they will serve as the critical incident manager during fire-fighting and damage control scenarios. Essential qualities for this role include leadership, effective communication in a multi-disciplinary setting, logical thinking, teamwork, and a preference for challenging work environments.

An awesome result for both young men and they will commence a 21-week Junior Officer Training this July. 

Written by PO Morgan Masters 

Regional Recruiting NCO Hamilton

Defence Recruiting