NZ Army soldier acknowledged for service to Ruapehu community

Staff Sergeant (SSGT) Dean Cootes, the range control operations officer at Waiouru Military Camp, developed and runs 360° Rangatahi Life Skills Programme for the rangatahi of Waiouru and surrounding districts.

Backed by funding from Ngāti Rangi Community Health Centre with the Whiria Ngā Hua Fund, the programme is 31 weeks long and open to youth aged between 13 to 17 years old.

Rangatahi navigate in the bush using GPS technology, triage mock emergencies with fire rescue dummies, undertake water rescues using rope, and tackle advanced first aid scenarios that push their problem-solving skills under pressure.

They cook meals in the outdoors and in the kitchen, learn practical mechanical and construction skills, operate chainsaws safely, and even host a large-scale event at Waiouru Rongomaraeroa-o-ngā-hau-e-whā Army National Marae.

When SSGT Cootes posted to Waiouru in 2020, he noticed community engagement had fallen so wanted to “bring back some manaakitanga to our awesome community”.

In 2021 he was appointed the chairperson for the newly formed Waiouru Community Committee and developed a community multi-space centre, known as The Hub.

He sought approval for the renovation, secured sponsorship, received donations, organised volunteers and project-managed the refurbishment.

“At the time there wasn’t a lot happening locally for teenagers so I developed a concept for the 360° Rangatahi programme for teens. I wanted to give them an opportunity to engage, contribute within the community and learn life skills that could make a real difference to their future.

“It’s boots-on-the-ground learning with purpose – and every step is designed to build confidence, capability, and connection. Alongside this, rangatahi give back, volunteering in ways that anchor them to their community.”

In addition, SSGT Cootes was a member of the Board of Trustees for the Waiouru Primary School and is involved with multiple junior sporting codes including rugby, swimming, softball and netball.

He says it is a “real honour” to receive the commendation from the Chief of Army, Major General Rose King.

“I feel the vision for The Hub has come to fruition. The 360° Rangatahi take a real pride in having it available for training.

“The rangatahi who have taken part in 360° Rangatahi have become integral members of the community, volunteering for events, becoming emergency service volunteers and mentoring new 360° Rangatahi coming through.  To have them actively engage in the community beyond 360° Rangatahi is something we can all be proud of.”