Where are you?

– Our unit headquarters is located at 23 Geddes Road, Koutu, Rotorua.  That’s the street behind Big Save Furniture on Lake Road.  Click here to be directed to a map.

When are the meetings?

– Cadets regularly meet every Wednesday night from 6pm to 9pm at the unit headquarters during school terms. Cadets also have scheduled outings (exercises, operations).  You will be informed when they are happening, and with very few exceptions, they are optional to attend.

How much does it cost?

– Term fees are $60 per term.  There is a onetime $35 enrollment fee to part-cover personalised uniform items. If you have more than one child attend Rotorua Air Cadets, you only pay term fees for one!  Activities throughout the year can attract fees due to activity costs.  These are not mandatory.   Opportunities to fundraise for cadet’s activity expenses are available throughout the year.

Does this mean my child will join the Air Force?  (Or: Navy, Army)

– No.  Cadets is a civilian organisation.  It does enjoy support from the New Zealand Defence Force but there is no expectation for your child to join the NZDF.  That said, approximately one in five cadets choose to make the NZDF their next step in their careers.  Also, just because they join Rotorua Air Cadets doesn’t mean they can only join the Air Force.  Our cadets have gone on to join the Royal New Zealand Navy as well as The New Zealand Army.  Often cadets join the unit where most of their friends are.  

How safe is this?

– Cadet Forces do everything in their power to minimise risks.  Cadet leaders and support staff are trained to meet NZCF safety and ethical standards.  All personnel, support staff, and parents that help out need to pass Police and New Zealand Defence Force security checks.

How much do I need to pay to get started?

– $95.  $35 is a one-off fee to cover part of personalised uniform items such as name tags, and $60 covers the first Term’s fees. Cadets receive a uniform to use while they remain a member of our Squadron.  As long as this uniform is looked after, there is no fee as long as it is returned in the same condition (allowing for reasonable wear) when the Cadet leaves.  Socks and plain black laced leather shoes that can be polished are expected to be provided by the cadet.  In cases of hardship, please contact the unit for further assistance.

Will my child be handed a rifle?

– Cadet forces use rifle in two situations:  During ceremonial duties such as Anzac Day when the weapons are for show and are unable to be fired, and as part of target shooting on a Police- and NZDF-certified shooting range.  Before a cadet is allowed to fire a rifle, they undergo strict weapons-handling and safety training.  Cadets from families that object to firearms safety training can still fully participate in all other cadet training and activities and are not stigmatised in any way.

Will they go flying?

– Yes. Although flying is weather dependent, cadets can expect to fly a gilder or a plane at least once or twice during the year. Qualified and experienced instructors will be in full control at all times, although if the cadet is capable and the instructor agrees, cadets may get to take the controls while in the air.  To reach the point where a cadet is allowed to take off and/or land a plane, they would need to attend and pass a formal flying course first.  

Are there any camps?

– Most units in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato host an annual camp for a weekend.  Cadets from other units are invited to attend.  New cadets quickly learn these are some of the best experiences while belonging to Cadets.  Throughout the year, there are also national camps.

How do cadets get to camps, exercises, and operations?

– In general it is up to the cadet to organise their own transport.  Parents organise ride-sharing, and frequently free spots in vehicles are offered for others to take advantage of.  Occasionally travel is organised by the unit via rental vans.  In such cases the cost of travel is additional to the cost of the camp or exercise.

What happens at cadet camps?

– Simply put: they learn through fun.  This could include navigation, stream crossings, tramping, search and rescue simulations, problem solving, field craft, survival training, shelter building, and much more. They will also mix with other cadets from other regions, making new friends, building confidence, and learning new skills.  Each camp tends to have a different objective, and different units put on different events.

Is there any marching?

– Yes. Cadets are trained to do drill on a parade ground.  This teaches all kinds of useful skills.  Listening, concentration, discipline, team work, pride, and many other benefits. These skills are also used during community service when Cadets support Anzac Day, Armistice Day, and a number of other formal events.

My child has a specific need

– As long as the safety of the cadet or other cadets isn’t an issue, and your child can be integrated without compromising our training objectives, we will work hard to cater for any dietary, medical, behavioural, or social requirements.  Please come and discuss your specific situation in confidence with our Unit Commander. Some staff and existing cadets are neurospicy, and we consider that a superpower! 

Does my child have to do everything?  How much is needed to remain a cadet?

– Your child is expected to attend every parade night (Wednesday nights during school term) – just like school.  “I don’t feel like it today” is not an option. Apart from Anzac Dawn parade and Anzac Service on the 25th of April, all other exercises are optional.  If a cadet can’t make it to a parade night, they need to inform Cadets of this ahead of time.  Being absent for three parade nights in a row without notification means Cadets can consider your child to have left New Zealand Cadet Forces.

Can my child leave cadets at any time?

– Yes.  Come to a parade night to hand back all cleaned uniform items that are on loan, any NZCF property in your care, and inform the Unit Commander of your intention to leave.  

My child has been asked to help the RSA on Poppy Day, but it is a school day?

– Attending Poppy Day is classed as justified absences for schools.  Rotorua schools allow our cadets time off on these important days.  Other days such as Anzac and Armistice, when some cadets are needed for ceremonial duties during services, parades, or cenotaphs have a similar process.  

My child is already 16+, can they join?

– No. NZCF sometimes accept Cadets 16+ years of age, but it is very rare.  A formal application needs to be made to the NZCF who will then make the decision. Come in to see our Unit Commander for a chat.  Adults aged 18+ can also join, and they will then train for Adult Leadership.

My child needs help, they are off the rails. I need help with that.

– We are not a social service, we are a leadership training organisation. Troubled youth rarely succeed at cadets because of the need to immediately carry out all orders and to take orders from their peers (sometimes some those with more training can even be younger!). Troubled youth often are a danger to themselves or others, and we do not have the time, staff, nor training to provide individualised intervention programs at that level. It’s simply not what we do.

It is part-way through the year, are you accepting enrollments?

– We can accept enrollments throughout the year, but often there is a waiting list.  We normally enroll during Term 1, but if your child is soon 13 or has turned 13 recently, you can contact us now.

My child isn’t quite 13, can they start anyway?

We enroll 13-15 year olds, but if your child will turn 13 soon you are encouraged to come for orientation/experience visits. That way you can decide to join in the week they turn 13 while discovering if cadets is for your child and your family.

My adult child / I like the idea of joining. Is this possible?

– Yes. NZCF is run by unpaid adult volunteers. They all started like you – thinking about how to provide service to the community. Turning young people into better versions of themselves is very rewarding. You need to be able to dedicate at least 20 hours per month, but free and full training will be provided.

I have a question that isn’t covered here.

– That happens!  Come see us on any Parade Night after 7 pm, or use the Contact Page on this website to ask your question.  You can also use our Social media pages to contact us.