Nana’s inspiration pushes Kaitaia primary school teacher to join Air Force
Flying Officer Celine Conaglen trained as a primary school teacher but the passing of her nana was the catalyst for her to take the leap to join the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), where she will continue to be an educator.
30 June, 2025
Flying Officer Conaglen, 25, has just graduated the 16-week Initial Officer Training at RNZAF Base Woodbourne and will now begin the next phase of her training at Base Auckland.
Joining the RNZAF had always been in the back of her mind since leaving high school in Kaitaia, she said.
“It wasn’t till the passing of my nana that I felt the push to take that next step.
“She had always been a big influence in my life and always wanted me to do things that I enjoyed.
“Her support made me realise that I needed to pursue something meaningful for myself, something that would challenge me and help me grow.”
Flying Officer Conaglen has a Bachelor of Education from the University of Auckland and the decision to become a Learning and Development Officer was easy.
Learning Development Officers help ensure NZDF military personnel have the right mental tools, knowledge, skills and attitudes to succeed when they are tasked to operations which can be complex, joint, inter-agency, and multi-national.
She said the highlight of her officer training had been working alongside a solid group of people and getting through challenges together – while also picking up new skills and seeing real progress.
Kaitaia’s Celine Conaglen trained as a primary school teacher but her focus now switches to educating aviators after completing initial officer training with the Royal New Zealand Air Force
Kaitaia’s Celine Conaglen trained as a primary school teacher but her focus now switches to educating aviators after completing initial officer training with the Royal New Zealand Air Force
“Knowing we are all in the same boat made tough moments easier, and it was clear that no one had to go through it alone.
“One of the challenges I faced was working with a wide range of personalities. We all come from different backgrounds and that brings different perceptions and was of doing things.
“It really pushed me to become more adaptable and patient, and to focus on communication and teamwork.”
Flying Officer Conaglen said she hoped to develop leadership skills and gain experience so she could take on more responsibility during her RNZAF career, so she could contribute where she was most needed.
She said anyone wanting to join should look to be physically and mentally prepared and that discipline, resilience and teamwork are the key.
“Take the time to research roles thoroughly so you can choose a path that fits your strengths and goals.”