The New Zealand Cadet Forces (NZCF or Cadet Forces) is a voluntary, uniformed organisation
which provides military-style leadership, personal development opportunities and adventure
based training to youth aged between 13 and 19 years old. Through its three branches- Sea
Cadets, Army Cadets and Air Cadets- the Cadet Forces provides youth with a hands on
nationally coordinated training program which provides challenges and opportunities that no
other organisation can; while a number of local, regional and national courses provide
further experience and qualifications in specific training areas.
The Cadet Forces is a non-profit organisation for the youth of New Zealand which has existed
continually since 1864, and in its present form in a partnership with the New Zealand
Defence Force and locally appointed community organisations since 1971, making it New
Zealand’s oldest youth organisation.
The Air Training Corps (ATC), commonly known as Air Cadets, is the arm of the New Zealand
Cadet Forces (NZCF) aligned with the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), which is why we
have similar uniforms, rank structure and training. A lot of the training, customs and
traditions undertaken by the Air Cadets aligns with that of the RNZAF.
The ATC is one of the three corps in the NZCF, the other two being the New Zealand Cadet
Corps (NZCC) and Sea Cadet Corps (SCC), commonly known as the Army Cadets and Navy Cadets
respectively. We are supported in partnership between the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF)
and local communities, and our members remain civilians with no obligation to join the
regular forces, however some do choose to join the New Zealand Defence Force.
If you decide to become an Air Cadet, you’ll receive all of the common training that every
member of the NZCF receives, but you’ll also receive the Corps Training which is specific to
the Air Cadets! You don't necessarily need to have a strong interest in aviation as Cadet
Units offer a wide variety of training and experiences that are unique to the NZCF, and you
will learn valuable life and work skills that will open up new possibilities, opportunities
and career options. You will be part of a team, develop leadership and survival skills, make
new friends, experience challenges and learn to take responsibility.
We are No. 33 (Westport)
Squadron, your local Air
Cadet unit, training every
Monday night with
additional weekend
activities such as
navigation, bushcraft,
shooting, and sometimes
aviation too!
