17 Squadron ATC Final Parade

Hon Heather Roy address to 17 (City of Christchurch) Squadron Air Training Corps; Squadron Headquarters, Oxford Road, Wigram, Christchurch; Thursday, December 10 2009.

Squadron Leader Shane Cole - Unit Commander No17 Squadron, members of the Unit Support Committee, parents, friends and especially officers and all ranks of No17 (City of Christchurch) Squadron, Air Training Corps.

Thank you for the invitation to attend your final parade and prize giving of 2009.  I was here a year ago - almost to the day - and clearly remember the very high turnout, dress and bearing that would have been the envy of many regular or reserve units.  I believe tonight you have actually surpassed last year's turnout!

I know that 2009 has been another busy and successful year for 17 Sqn ATC, with a wide range of activities undertaken with busy weekends enjoyed by all.  I particularly enjoyed meeting several of you at Dip Flat on your Bushcraft course, and on the Fixed Wing and Navigation courses at Woodbourne in January.

Most notable has been the success of your drill team under Cadet Under Officer Sonya Gardiner, which I understand won both the 3 SQN trophy for drill in the South Island and went on to compete in and win the National Davy Memorial Drill Trophy for the Air Training Corps.  Well done - yet another trophy for excellence, for a highly successful cadet corps unit.  I look forward to viewing your award winning drill performance next.
 
As I mentioned last year, I am familiar with the New Zealand Cadet Forces in the same way that many of the parents and family members here tonight are, with one of my sons having been in the ATC.  However, what I'm particularly cognisant of is the contribution of the parents and supporters on the Unit Support Committee, for without your support - be it fundraising or transporting your children to camps or parades - the unit simply could not achieve and undertake the activities that it does, to the benefit of all the cadets.  Thank you.
 
While we are all aware of the hundreds of millions of dollars that are poured annually into programmes for youth-at-risk - often described as the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff - what we hear far too little about are you people here tonight: young people and their mentors who are quietly going about becoming, building or being awesome Kiwi citizens.  I commend you.

Given my concern for young people, many of you may be aware that I am responsible for a Companion Study - which sits alongside the Defence Review - to examine the role of the NZDF in youth programmes.  This includes the cadet forces and I am particularly interested in what role the NZDF should have in youth programmes, which are deemed the most effective: and with respect to NZCF, what is the best funding and management model to be adopted.

The report is still being finalised, but I know that there have been many submissions.  Thank you for your contribution to this.  I want to assure you that I will continue to be a strong supporter and vocal advocate for youth organisations like No17 Squadron, for the ATC and the NZCF.

Again, well done on your efforts - not only tonight, but through all the years.  For those of you who received promotions and awards - congratulations.  For those who didn't - congratulations also.  You have created your own prize just in being here, because you have chosen to march to the beat of a different drum - that of personal responsibility and excellence.  By doing that you have placed yourself into a very small group in society, but one that is absolutely vital to our nation and our world.

Enjoy your Christmas holidays, and return safely to your homes and future endeavours in 2010.