Fiji Sun

Seruiratu Graduates

- KELERA SOVASIGA Edited by Jonathan Bryce Feedback: com.fj adi.sovasiga@fijisun.

Minister for Defence, National Security and Policing, Rural and Maritime Developmen­t and Disaster Management Inia Seruiratu was yesterday presented with his New Zealand Command and Staff College ( NZCSC) Graduating Certificat­e.

Due to political crisis back in 2006, then 25603 Major Seruiratu’s hope of furthering his Master’s programme was cut off.

NZ Defence Force Advisor, Lieutenant Colonel Josh Wineera said: “From Major to minister, you have definitely achieved and exceeded that goal.

“Our team back in Trentham are checking the alumni records and while it is to be confirmed, you may in fact be the highest NZCSC student,” he said.

“The advanced course, which the minister undertook, is the premier course, and aims to provide advanced-level military education to selected officers and civilian counterpar­ts in preparatio­n for high-grade command and staff appointmen­ts.”

Mr Seruiratu thanked the NZ Defence Force for the attributio­ns made during his training in New Zealand.

“It has been indeed a surprise and a long time coming when I was informed about the presentati­on of this certificat­e even though I had received it online with Massey University,” he said. “I am thankful for the preparatio­ns and wisdom bestowed from NZDF.” Mr Seruiratu qualified on the Australian Defence Force Warfightin­g Centre Joint Operations Planning Course (hat tip to Colonel Rob), New Zealand Law of Armed Conflict level 3. He was also awarded the nomenclatu­re passed staff college joint, with effect December 6, 2006, and a Post Graduate Diploma of Arts (in Strategic Studies) from Massey University. Commandant Lieutenant Colonel Rob Mackie said: “Major Seruiratu continued the fine tradition of Fi

It has been indeed a surprise and a long time coming when I was informed about the presentati­on of this certificat­e even though I had received it online with Massey University. Inia Seruiratu Minister for Defence, National Security and Policing, Rural and Maritime Developmen­tand Disaster Management

jian representa­tive on Staff Course and worked hard to achieve very good results. He is a very profession­al officer and did extremely well to meet all the requiremen­t of the course.

Major Seruiratu is an excellent ambassador for his service and country. He has truly been a pleasure to teach.”

The New Zealand Command and Staff College or NZCSC, provides profession­al military education to NZDF and other foreign military officers, which prepares them for command staff appointmen­ts.

 ??  ?? At the presentati­on at the Tanoa Plaza Hotel in Suva. (From left) NZ Defence Force Advisor Lieutenant Colonel Josh Wineera, NZ Ministry of Defence Senior Analyst, Kate Boocock, Minister Inia Seruiratu and
At the presentati­on at the Tanoa Plaza Hotel in Suva. (From left) NZ Defence Force Advisor Lieutenant Colonel Josh Wineera, NZ Ministry of Defence Senior Analyst, Kate Boocock, Minister Inia Seruiratu and
 ?? Photo: Kelera Sovasiga ?? The New Zealand Command and Staff College Graduating Certificat­e.
Photo: Kelera Sovasiga The New Zealand Command and Staff College Graduating Certificat­e.

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