Physical restrictions can’t ground RNZAF Aviator of the Year

His resilience and dedication to professional excellence, while navigating his physical restrictions, were just some of the reasons Corporal Mapapalangi has been named this year’s RNZAF Aviator of the Year. This is awarded to an aviator who takes action to make a significant and positive contribution to RNZAF and New Zealand Defence Force ​​outputs and personifies the organisations’ core values.

While working as an aviation fuel specialist at RNZAF Base Ohakea, Corporal Mapapalangi was planning for a career as aircrew when a cardiac event limited the type of work he could perform safely and there was even a risk of a medical discharge from service.

“It was a really hard time, mostly because of the uncertainty and the restrictions that were placed on me,” Corporal Mapapalangi said.

“I felt I couldn’t fully contribute to my role.” 

He decided to be proactive and figure out ways he could contribute, and he started engaging a lot more with senior leadership, command and colleagues.

Part of the shift was engaging with the Youth Development Unit, where he felt he was contributing directly to the community.

“But it didn't stop there, the more people I interacted with, the more opportunities kept popping up. One of them was the new aviation fuel installation that's being built at Base Ohakea.

“The pro-active engagement led me to re-muster as an operational support specialist and I’m working hard on the new fuel installation project. It was like a fire had been reignited after all the restrictions I had faced.” 

Corporal Mapapalangi, of Tonga and Māori descent, is the oldest of seven siblings. Growing up he embraced his Māori heritage spending his entire school life at a full-immersion school Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Koutu.

He has sustained his connection with te ao Māori through the RNZAF Tūrangawaewae since joining the service in 2019. He is fluent in te reo Māori and drawing on his expertise in mau rākau (traditional martial art), Corporal Mapapalangi has conducted the wero for dignitaries and spoken on behalf of senior leadership and his peers during pōwhiri. 

Corporal Mapapalangi also delivers karakia for parades and graduations and volunteering his time for recruit visits and cultural events. 

A whānau connection to the military inspired Corporal Mapapalangi to join the service, with his Koro (grandfather) Peter Bates in the RNZAF for more than 30 years.

“He didn’t speak too much about his career, and it took other people to talk about his accolades and his time in service as a metal worker.

“I decided I just wanted to do something a little bit different from the ordinary pathway with my life and knowing that Koro, a few uncles and a cousin served was my main drive to enlist.” 

Corporoal Mapapalangi said the best part of his career so far had been exploring parts of the country he had never had a chance to travel to and meeting people from different walks of life.

“When you arrive on recruit course it’s a melting pot of people. It’s a culture shock, but in the most positive way.”

Corporal Mapapalangi said he looked forward to contributing the best of his abilities. 

“I think back on what I've learned. A couple of years ago, I thought my career plan was set in stone but then it all changed. 

“It's about being resilient to the hand that you've been dealt and being proactive to seek new opportunities that arise.”