Queen’s Medal awarded to NZ Army’s top shot

It was the first time the competition has been held since 2019.

Sixty of the NZ Army’s top shooters entered the three-day competition with target distances ranging from 25 to 300 metres. Over four elimination rounds the competition was whittled down to the top 10 soldiers. 

Captain Luke, who is currently a senior instructor at the New Zealand Defence College, says he shoots as often as he can in his spare time and has been well supported by his previous unit 5th/7th Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (RNZIR).  

“I’m absolutely delighted to have taken the win and want to thank 5/7 RNZIR for allowing me access to the range to practice.”

Second place went to Lance Corporal Isaac Sheridan and third place to Lance Corporal Laurence Arundell.

Chief umpire, Major Josh Sullivan, said the competition reinforced one of the NZ Army's core combat skills. 

"Shooting is fundamental to our lethality. This is more than a shooting competition; it's a test of soldiering and discipline and performance under pressure.” 

He said many soldiers consider this event a career highlight, with the Queen's Medal being one of the few medallic awards a soldier can earn through individual performance.

He said the marksmanship shown was impressive and displayed the ability of soldiers to perform well in combat, protect themselves and others.

Chief of Army, Major General Rose King attended the final day of the competition along with Sergeant Major of the Army, Warrant Officer Class One Dave Alder. 

Major General King said it was fantastic to see the competition return after its seven-year hiatus.

“First and foremost, this competition is a test of our soldiers’ lethality, and accuracy is the foundation of the most effective shooting ability. It’s been fantastic to see just how capable and highly skilled our people are,” Major General King said.

“How we train our soldiers in the New Zealand Army is something that is regularly commended by our military peers and partners.

“So ensuring we not only maintain, but evolve and improve our standards when it comes to individual and collective training, ensures we will continue to play a significant role as valued, trusted and capable partners on the battlefield in the future.”