Former Takapuna Grammar student selected to train as Army Officer in Australia

Devonport’s Carrington Brady is one of two New Zealand Army Officer Cadets selected to undergo Officer Training at the Australian Royal Military College in Duntroon, Canberra.

30 May, 2025

Officer Cadet Brady is one of 53 Officer Cadets in the New Zealand Army Commissioning Course at Waiouru. However, this week, along with Officer Cadet Adam Ellis, she leaves NZ to begin her officer training in Australia.

Major Gwyn Macpherson said that each year there is an exchange of students and instructors between Australia and New Zealand.

“Of those cadets who express interest in training in Australia, we select two high-performing cadets that show great potential and that we believe will represent NZDF well,” said Major Macpherson.

He said the exchange enables an Officer Cadet to experience a very different culture, point of view and military training than they would otherwise get.

“Operating alongside other military nations encourages an attitude of understanding, tolerance and adaptability. They can then bring that experience and training back to New Zealand.”

Two soldiers in full wet weather Army uniform and large packs look at documentation in the rain on exercise.

Officer Cadet Carrington Brady (left), who took part at NZDF’s Exercise Nemesis earlier this year, is looking forward to the challenges ahead at the Australian Royal Military College in Duntroon, Canberra.

Officer Cadet Brady said she is looking forward to the challenges ahead.

“A career in the New Zealand Army gives me the opportunity to contribute to peace-keeping and operations globally. I wanted a job that holds responsibility and I enjoy working in an environment that constantly pushes you to your best performance to serve the nation.

“I’ve been a professional sailor, racing in regattas all over the world since I was 16. Navigating on boats travelling at 100 km/h taught me how to manage high levels of stress, and to be physically and mentally tough.

“I learned very quickly to rely on my teammates and to make tough decisions when I needed to,” said Officer Cadet Brady.

“When you’re racing at high speeds you know that if you make a mistake the boat could crash onto rocks or flip. Getting the job done is your only priority and this focus is really helping me learn to be an Officer in the New Zealand Army,” said Officer Cadet Brady.