Hawke’s Bay woman jumps from ballet to the battlefield

The scenario-based exercise for North Platoon from 38 Combat Service Support Company was testing the drivers on leadership, tactical movement, and security operations at Kaipara Air Weapons Range.

A former Hastings Girls’ High School student and South African expat, Private Park says she felt dance had long defined her, shaping who she was expected to be. Graduating at the University of Auckland with a degree in Dance Studies she decided it was time to jeté to a different rhythm. 

“I wanted to prove to myself that I was more than the box I was put in,” she says. “And in doing so, show that women can be strong, competent, and capable of kicking ass too.” 

Joining the NZ Army Reserve Force in 2022 after completing her tertiary studies, Private Park has found surprising parallels between dance and military life. 

“Dance has gifted me with self-confidence, mental perseverance, and grit to do hard things - standing on your toes takes a certain kind of determination,” she said. 

“In a sport like dance you learn to love constructive criticism, and you are continuously chasing a better version of yourself.  It’s very similar to the Army, where you overcome challenges, while gaining strength and resilience.”

In civilian life, Private Park works as an event planner for Auckland Thoroughbred Racing at Ellerslie Racecourse. She credits her Army experience with helping develop her leadership and interpersonal skills which have added value to her career. 

“The Army identifies your strengths and helps you cultivate them. Each member’s skills work together, filling the gaps and creating a team that is knowledgeable, well-rounded and able to overcome challenges. 

“When I’m with my fellow soldiers, I know they have my back - because we are stronger together.  We fit together like a puzzle. That’s something I carry through to my civilian life.” 

Private Park said she had developed a passion for her life in the Reserve Force, particularly her unit.  “I like to live by our RNZALR motto – Mā Nga Hua Tu Tangata, By Our Actions We Are Known.”

38 Combat Service Support Company, which is part of 2^nd Combat Service Support Battalion, is now preparing for Exercise Tauwharenīkau, a Reserve Force training exercise in July that will see over 300 soldiers operate alongside the Australian Army Reserve in Gore, Southland.Each Reserve Force company has its own training programme in line with its Battalion’s training focus. Company -led training typically occurs one weekend a month, with platoon-level training once a week.