Kerikeri cadet major returns
After 13 years posted in Wellington, Kerikeri’s New Zealand Cadet Forces Major Bill Carruthers has returned home.
He says at age 70, he decided it was time to retire from his role as the Staff Officer (education and qualifications) for all of the New Zealand Cadet Forces.
Major Carruthers says he thoroughly enjoyed his time based in Wellington, from 2003, particularly developing 13 unit standards which mean cadets are formally recognised for their learning.
‘‘I am most proud of the work I have achieved for the cadets. Young people serving with the 100 Cadet Units across New Zealand can now gain NZQA credits which they can use to meet the requirements of NCEA levels 1 to 3.’’
He says he will miss Wellington and being involved with decision making for the cadet forces.
Major Carruthers will continue to be a national assessor for the NZQA linked cadet forces qualifications in a part-time capacity. He will also remain in his role as the Area Support Officer for the Kaikohe, Kerikeri and Kaitaia cadet units.
Army cadets learn about the defence force, the safe use of firearms, navigation, first aid and leadership skills. Bushcraft and drills for ANZAC Day marches are also aspects of the role.
Major Carruthers has a longtime involvement with cadet units which started with him as a member of the school cadets in the 1960’s. He established the Kerikeri branch in 1988 and ran the programme there until 2002.
At one stage the Kerikeri unit had around 84 cadets. Major Carruthers says most of the students were from Kerikeri High School where he was also a geography teacher for 27 years. Youth can join cadet units from the age of 13 up until they reach the age of 18.
‘‘I would recommend cadets to any young person if they are interested in expanding their life experiences.
‘‘I have seen people who have done cadets go on to be very successful - senior lawyers and people running businesses - they take the skills and attitude from cades into everyday life.’’