STARTED: 1995 with help from Mrs Libby Markman,
Mr Jim Chambers (who ended up being Unit Commander of the Taumaranui Cadet Unit at a later date.) & Mr Sid Puia (ex Ssgt Regular Force & SAS Soldier.)
WHERE: Taupo-nui-a-Tia College (Marae)
ORIGINALLY NAMED: Tuwharetoa Cadet Unit (to include Turangi/Taumarunui) NO. @ PARADE: (initial contingent of) 75 Students
NAME CHANGE: Taupo Cadet Unit (name changed in 2000)
FORMERLY RECOGNISED: Feb 2001 (able to parade officially as part of NZCF) BASED AT: Taupo Venture Centre, Spa Road, Taupo
CLOSE PROXIMITY TO: Taupo Red Cross, Taupo Harrier Club, Taupo Events Centre (I.e. Hot pools and gymnasium), Spa Park – All utilized for training, lessons etc.
ACHIEVEMENTS:
2004 – Royal NZ RSA Community Award (National Award)
2004 – Local Youth Community Award (Taupo)
REGIONAL & NATIONAL SKILL AT ARMS COMPETIONS:
2001 – 9th Central Skill at Arms in Ohakea (1st Skills Comp Taupo entered) 2004 – 1st Central Skill at Arms in Linton
2nd National Skill at Arms in Burnham
2005 – 1st Central Skill at Arms in Linton
3rd National Skill at Arms in Waiouru
2011 – 1st Central Skill at Arms in Ohakea
3rd National Skill at Arms in Ohakea
LOCAL COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:
RSA, Taupo District Council, Harriers Club, Red Cross (MOU for Civil Defence), Inter-Church Society,
Iron Man, Wairakei Primary School, Maori Wardens, Kiwanis, Racing Club, Deerstalkers Assn, School Holiday programme support, Foodbank Drive
ANNUAL CAMPS/EXERCISES
Taupo Cadet Unit was fortunate to be invited to come under the umbrella of the 6th Hauraki Battalion, which supported Cadet Corp Units from Tauranga (WBOPCU), Opotiki (OCCU), Rotorua (RDCU), Hamilton (HFHSCU, HCCU), Taumarunui (TCU) and Taupo (TaupoCU).
The following camps/exercises were sponsored by 6HauBn
Term 1 NCOs only usually held in Rotorua or Tauranga
Term 1 Cadets and Recruits held at Waiotapu Camp and hosted by RDCU
Ex Tri-Sika (preparation for Ex Hau Exp), usually held in Rotorua or Tauranga
Ex Hauraki Experience held at The Army Depot (TAD), Waiouru the first week of school holidays at the end of Term 2 (i.e. WINTER)
Ex Ruapehu (preparation for Regional Skills) hosted by TaupoCU
Ex Rypen – This camp was held at Ngamuwahine Camp near Tauranga and sponsored by BOP Lions Club. Year 10 Students were invited from Reporoa, Rotorua, Whakatane and Tauranga colleges. The 6th Hauraki Bn was responsible for the programme for the weekend. NCOs from Taupo, Te Awamutu and Opotiki cadet units were selected to assist with instruction.
CADET UNIT COMMANDERS
Jim Chambers 1995-2000 (unofficial)
Faith Pitama 2000-2006
Marama Aporo 2006-2012
Graeme Hall 2012-2017/18
David Joll 2017/18-2018
Marama Aporo 2018-2019 (Temp Cover)
Ryan Quirke 2019-2021
SQNLDR Heidi Paignton 2022 – Acting Unit Commander A/2LT Clare Ngatai
Clare Ngatai 2023 – current
