New Plymouth local follows in footsteps of military family
Representing New Zealand and serving her country are the driving factors behind Aircraftman Kodi Barlow’s decision to join the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
05 May, 2025
She has just completed the 12-week recruit course at Base Woodbourne and was awarded the Pat Goddard Memorial for the best female recruit in Physical Education and Recreational Training.
She will now complete her security forces trade training.
Aircraftman Barlow, 25, from New Plymouth, comes from an Army family, but is the first to join the Air Force.
“My family have always inspired me to want to join the forces and serve my country, so I feel proud knowing I am following in their footsteps.
“I decided to join the Air Force as it is a career that will enable to travel, while also working as part of a team,” she said.
Aircraftman Barlow moved to the United States straight from high school on a rugby scholarship and studied criminal justice while travelling the country playing rugby.
“Although it was daunting moving to the other side of the world at such a young age, I am thankful for the life experience I gained from taking this opportunity.
“I hope my experiences during that time will help in my career within the Air Force.”
Aircraftman Barlow hopes one day to work with the military working dogs unit.
“I really love working with animals, so one of my biggest goals and the reason why I chose security forces is for the dogs.
“I grew up with dogs and previously worked with dogs on the farm, so I would love to experience working with them here in the military.”
Aircraftman Barlow said the mental element had been the hardest part of the course.
“It has been quite tough at times, the first few weeks were hard as we all were getting used to how life works in the military.
“The highlight, however, has been the people. Everything we have experienced together on this course, the highs and lows have brought everybody together. I have created some awesome lifelong friendships.
“I also loved the physical aspect of the course and enjoyed pushing myself to the limit.”
She said to anyone wanting to join to back yourself 100 percent.
“It can be daunting not knowing what you are signing yourself up for, but from my experiences so far I have enjoyed the process, even when times get tough.”