June 2006, Issue 71 [pdf 2.8mb, 40 - Royal New Zealand Air Force

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FUN AND CHALLENGING
Fun
F
and challenging but with a modicum of physical
and mental demands - these are the key elements
of the Air Force’s Adventure Training courses.
The courses, which most units try fit into their work
schedule at least once a year, are one of the most
effective methods of building stronger teams.
The emphasis is less on competition and more on
developing the unit’s cohesion through team activities
and fun. And the activities can involve just about
anything – from kayaking to rock climbing. FLTLT Craig
Searle from Base Auckland’s PE and RT section says
most units organise the details of their own adventures
but it’s a good idea to contact a Physical Training
Instructor (PTI) in the planning stage. ‘We can assist by
organising packages and we’ve got plenty of contacts.
We just make organising it a bit easier.’
Most units certainly enjoy the chance to get out of the
workplace environment, to support each other and to
enjoy them selves while they do it, he says.
TONGARIRO CROSSING
RNZAF
Recruiting combined their Recruiting
Offi cer’s Conference with a spot of team
building on their adventure training
course. F/S Tracey Buchanan describes their adventures.
Finally the RNZAF Recruiting staff had a break in their busy schedule to
complete their adventure training and conduct their fi rst Recruiting Offi cer’s
(RO) Conference for 2006.
The team met at RNZAF Base Ohakea on Tuesday 7 February, before travelling
to National Park to stay at the National Park Backpackers, on SH1.
On arrival at the Backpackers, a Recruiting Offi cer’s Conference was
held in the local Conference Room (aka back room of the local tavern).
This was the fi rst time all staff had met and attended an RO Conference,
as normally it’s restricted to only Offi cers or Warrant Offi cers. After
some lengthy discussion, positive outcomes and the agenda complete,
the team adjourned to the backpackers for some socializing out in the
garden area.
Leading from the front, DREC and a few of his helpers cooked an
extremely moreish evening meal. On a quiet night most staff opting to
go to bed early, to get ready for the 7-8 hour stroll through the Tongariro
crossing the next day.
Alas, when we woke the next morning to all the staff’s disappointment
the weather was turning for the worst. Re-evaluating and ever fl exible,
we changed our plans to conduct only a short 3-4 hour walk, and set off RNZAF Recruiting Staff at Tongaririo waterfall. Absent was MACR
in two groups, only to meet about 30 minutes later at a waterfall, where W Moulai who took the photo.
the usual photo opportunity was taken.
Some staff took the opportunity also to have a mid winter swim – yes, relations with people from around the world. A visit to the local tavern
I know it was February but boy was it cold. ‘I guess you won’t dare me and a pool competition saw the aircrew members of the party cooking the
to do something again! Will you Sir?’ Hats off to both silly people who evening meal. Some members of the party were still keeping up interna-
braved the icy waters. As MACRW Moulai commented ‘a word of caution, tional relations by learning German till the wee small hours of the morning.
only use the photo of the half naked, very white body in the waterfall, as Or maybe it just sounded like they were speaking German.
I believe we may have to pay royalties to Peter Jackson, after all Golem The next day was an early start by all to pack and leave for canoeing and
could never have become a star if it wasn’t for this superb look alike.’ kayaking down the Whanganui River with Wades Landing Outdoors. After
From the waterfall, some staff opted to return to the back packers via a very long and winding road trip to reach the river and boats, W/O Kutia’s
the lower tracks, while the keener members of the group continued on fear of water started to kick in. After the safety briefs and conquering the
upwards to the Lower Lakes, fi ghting of the clouds, cold wind and drizzle, initial rapid, the screams (which were heard for miles) subsided, and all
not to mention the constant chatter coming from W/O Kutia and F/S members of the party settled into a leisurely (approx 20k) paddle of the
Doolan-Tindall.
Whanganui River. The weather shone and the experience for many of
Staff enjoyed their lunch before heading back down the track to return the fi rst time kayakers was thoroughly enjoyed. Those who were more
to the Château in search of a well-deserved cappuccino. Not long after experienced certainly gave great support and encouragement as members
their return the torrential rains came down.
were passing the grade 4 rapids (well, they looked big). DREC gave a very
The rest of the day was spent warming up and enjoying socialising with good historical commentary of the river and will eventually be forgiven for
other members from the backpackers, or rather building closer international saying ‘it’s just around the corner.’ Yeah, right.
AK 06-0171-01
AFN71 JUNE 06 www.airforce.mil.nz