Colonel Commandant

Colonel Commandant's Greeting

Christmas 2024

Tena koutou katoa. Nga mihi nui ki Nga Kaipukaha katoa.

Season’s greeting Sappers, whanau and friends everywhere.

The year has rushed by but I have been fortunate to regularly touch base with the Corps over the last 12 months. While the NZDF budget means the RF will not grow for some time, the Corps remains busy with a range of field, construction and overseas regeneration activities and training.  

Regeneration of skills and capabilities is a high priority and we have some fine young soldiers and officers keen to learn their business. This was exemplified by a conversation I had with a young combat engineer. They had not yet completed Corps training, but were enthusiastic about the great training they had received. Using an axe or chainsaw might be old hat to many, but to that young soldier, those new, lifelong skills meant they were on the road to being a trained Sapper. I was encouraged too by RNZE Reserve Force officers recently attending the RAE Regimental Officers Basic Course. Our Reserves are a key part of our sustainability and training such as this deepens our important relationship with the RAE and broadens our Reserve Force skills.

That training does not just happen.  It takes work at all levels and strong troop and sub unit command teams are a strength of our Corps. I was fortunate to attend the change of command parade at 3 Fd and ERT Sqn last month and earlier this month the command teams at 2 Fd Sqn and 25 ESS also changed. I thank those previous OCs and SSMs for their stewardship of our most precious resource, the Sappers, and wish the new command teams all the best.

Our motto of I nga wahi katoa/Ubique has again been earnt this year. From the Republic of Korea to training Ukrainian Sappers in Germany. On deployments, courses or postings to the Middle East, Auatralia, Vanuatu, Antarctica and elsewhere, Sappers are everywhere.

Last year, the Corps advised the NZDF that we wish His Majesty the King to be our Colonel in Chief, RNZE, should he so wish. The wheels of protocol move slowly but as of the end of November, our request was close to leaving Army for signature by CDF and the Minister. Also last month, I sent His Majesty a letter on your behalf wishing him the best for Christmas and the New Year. 

Thank you Sappers and whanau, serving or not, who retain a passion for the Corps. I thank those who commemorate the fallen, maintain our heritage, keep us informed and keep an eye on our mates. Former Sappers watch the Corps closely and it is their legacy we look after. The contingent of ex serving Sappers who attended the Freedom of Akaroa charter parade last month were testament to that.

The Corps remains committed to sustaining the military engineer capabilities NZ needs and generating skills to the highest level. The RNZE remains focussed on fulfilling its mission and is doing a great job for NZ.

I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and New Year. Look after yourselves and each other.  I look forward to catching up in 2025.

Stay safe.

Ubique, I nga wahi katoa,

Paul Curry

Colonel Commandant RNZE

Nga kaihanga e mahi mo ratou i tenei ra,

a nga kaihanga te mana mo apopo

Those who build for others today,

build the mana of tomorrow

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