Hastings teacher brings back inspiration after ‘incredible experience’ at Defence Force camp

Hasting teacher Natalie van Wyk had been searching for ways to engage students in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), and found plenty of inspiration through the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).

10 February, 2026

Ms van Wyk, a primary teacher at St Joseph’s School, was one of around 30 educators who took part in the recent School to Skies/Seas teachers’ live-in camp, hosted by the Royal New Zealand Navy and Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF).

The camp offers teachers of Years 5 to 13 students insight into the world of the NZDF.

Over six days at Devonport Naval Base and RNZAF Base Auckland, they were given hands-on experience in the maritime and aviation industries, designed to provide them with new educational tools and ideas, as well as demonstrate career opportunities for their students.

Ms van Wyk says there are so many real-world STEM application scenarios to be found in the Defence Force.

“The variety of careers within the NZDF is huge. There are so many avenues to explore.

“I would also tell the students about how they can earn an income while learning transferable trades that can be used in and out of the NZDF.”

She said she had not appreciated the diversity of work personnel undertook.

“Seeing how the Navy and Air Force are involved in an incredible amount of humanitarian work is inspiring.

“The personnel are ordinary, everyday people doing extraordinary things.

“When you are actually there, eating in the mess, sleeping in the barracks and experiencing a sneak peek into military life, you realise it’s a team-first mind set and see the absolute respect that goes into it all. It’s a place to grow.”

Two females wearing flying suit stand at the back of an aircraft looking out to the cloud beyond the open rear. They stand holding their phones taking photos of the cloudy scene beyond, a cargo net acts as a barrier between them and the opening and a mili

Teachers aboard the C-130J Hercules film as the aircraft lowers its back ramp

To enhance the live-in atmosphere, the teachers were issued with flight suits.

“They are fun to wear with tons of zips and pockets – although remembering which one you’ve put your things in is a brain-teaser,” said Ms van Wyk.

Highlights of the camp were a visit to the Navy’s largest ship HMNZS Aotearoa, and a flight over Auckland in a C-130J Hercules.

“Being able to see operational aviation first hand was an amazing experience.”

Ms van Wyk said she would easily be able to transfer what she had learnt to a classroom setting, including engineering subjects and the principles of flight.

“I would absolutely recommend this camp to my colleagues – it’s an incredible experience.”