Bay of Plenty Army engineer helping communities in Indonesia

Lieutenant Teagan Andrews-Paul, 2nd Engineer Regiment, was a troop commander leading combat engineers during Exercise Trident Resolve in Banten, Indonesia recently.

Trident Resolve focused on cyber-security, HADR and Military Medicine, with about 2,200 personnel from 19 militaries and civilian agencies working together to prepare for natural disasters.

As part of the exercise a group of 13 NZ Army engineers controlled a site and assisted in renovating a medical facility.

At the conclusion of the exercise the facility was handed over to the Tentara Nasional Indonesia, the national armed forces of Indonesia.

“Working with the local community has been my highlight of the exercise,” she says.

“We had a school very close to our work site and the children would come down every day to watch and hang out with us.”

She was born in Canada but grew up in Masterton and Ōhope in the Bay of Plenty and attended both Wairarapa College and Trident High School.

Both of her parents served with the NZ Army. Her mother was a transport officer and her father was a chef while also a professional athlete.

Growing up she spent a lot of time outdoors, which contributed to her decision enlist in 2021.

“Anything involving mental and physical perseverance has always been a huge draw for me and that is why the Army felt like the right choice.

“The Army offers some great opportunities while also continuously providing new challenges.

“Just when I think I understand my job, there is always something new I get to learn about.”

She was also drawn to being able to support communities during times of crisis.

“I was very interested in being able to provide HADR support to countries during times of crisis and that is why I wanted to join the Corps of Engineers. It’s a big part of our role.”

“Exercise Trident Resolve was my first real opportunity working in a HADR capacity overseas and it was very rewarding.”

Her advice to those thinking of joining the New Zealand Defence Force is to be prepared as much as possible.

“The work and training is rewarding but it can be hard – it’s designed to push you.

“If you want to be challenged, learn new skills and have experiences you cannot get in any other job, the military could be the right pathway for you.”