Tauranga student revels in camaraderie of Navy camp

Keanu, in Year 12 at Papamoa College, was one of 39 senior college students who attended the programme during September and October at Devonport Naval Base in Auckland. Separate tāne and wāhine four-day camps showcased Navy life and career options over a multitude of marine disciplines.

Students were able to meet sailors, explore career pathways and take part in experiences designed to challenge them and open their eyes to possibilities once they finished school. Activities included a pōwhiri at Te Taua Moana marae, ship and base tours, rides on Waitematā Harbour in a Navy rigid-hulled inflatable boat, seeing how recruits lived and worked, and hands-on practical tasks at the Sea Safety Training Squadron. At the latter the students donned firefighting equipment to tackle a set fire, before facing the challenges of the Navy’s flood simulator.

Keanu says a highlight for him was one of the RNZN’s core values – camaraderie.

“It was really noticeable how close a bond all the sailors had,” he says.

“It was something I felt as well. The best part of camp was meeting all the other boys and building strong connections with them. 

“It meant that while there were some activities that pushed me outside my comfort zone, I was able to get through them with the boys by my side.”

He applied for the camp because he was interested in seeing what the Navy and New Zealand Defence Force had to offer.

“And it looked like a lot of fun,” he says.

 “What surprised me the most about the Navy was the number of opportunities on offer.

“There’s a huge number of career options while travelling the world, playing sports or making life-long friends.”

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