Who We Are

The New Zealand Cadet Forces (NZCF) is a disciplined, uniformed organisation which provides military-based leadership, personal development and skill based training to persons aged between 13 and 19 years old. Any person between the ages of 13 and 15 years may join the NZCF, but can also join if they are 12 years old and presently attending Year 9 in High School.

The Cadet Forces is made up of three branches or corps. Each corps is modeled on a corresponding branch of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF): the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), the New Zealand Army, and the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN). Each corps has its own training curriculum, uniforms and organisational structures aligned with its parent regular force branch.

Through its three branches, the Cadet Forces provides personnel with a four-year training curriculum, while a number of unit, area and national courses provide further experience and qualifications in specific training areas. It is jointly funded by the Chief of Defence Force and four nationally recognised Civilian Support Organisations. The NZCF is a non-profit organisation for the youth of New Zealand and their youth leaders, and adheres to a strict Code of Conduct.


Mission, Vision and Values

As members of the NZCF we are individually and collectively responsible for how we conduct ourselves. We are regularly in the public eye within our communities and how we carry ourselves, what we say and what we do are scrutinised continuously, even when we think no one is watching. As such, how we go about our business is sometimes just as important as the outcomes we achieve.

All of us in the NZCF, wherever we are, are also entitled to expect a certain level of behaviour from others in our organisation. Our values are more than just words. They form the fundamental foundation of why we are here and dictate the necessary high standards and expectations of our organisation.

Vision

Preparing New Zealand’s successful leaders of tomorrow.


Mission

To develop and enable self-disciplined, confident and responsible young New Zealanders.


Core Values


Aims


NZCF CODE OF CONDUCT

This Code applies to anyone who is engaged by New Zealand Cadet Forces, regardless of the position or rank held. This includes Supplementary Staff who are permanent, temporary or casual within an NZCF unit, volunteers and any other groups or individuals we have advised this Code applies to.

This Code also applies to what we do outside of the NZCF environment where our actions may bring NZCF or NZDF into disrepute or may damage the trust and confidence that the NZCF or NZDF has in us.


HOW CAN WE BE SURE OUR CONDUCT COMPLIES WITH THE CODE AND POLICIES?

The Code provides general guidance and minimum expectations of the behaviour NZCF expects from us. No code or policy can cover every situation, so we need to consider our values, apply our common sense and act with self-respect, and consider the reputation of NZCF and NZDF in our decision making.

The individual circumstances of each situation will determine how the misconduct is treated. Please use the SELF test to guide your decision making, or if you need further clarity talk to your Cadet Unit Commander or Area Support Officer before you take a course of action you think may fall outside the guidance outlined in this Code.


The SELF Test

IF IN DOUBT, IT MAY HELP TO CONSIDER THE SELF TEST QUESTIONS:

NZCF prides itself in being one of the most trusted youth organisations in New Zealand. By being consistently honest and ethical, and applying SELF to our behaviour and decision making, we help bring our vision and values to life.

Key Documents

The well-being and safety of children and young people is the top priority of the New Zealand Cadet Forces.
We encourage you to review our Code of Conduct and Care and Protection of Cadets Policy, which aligns with the Vulnerable Children Act 2014.
You can also view our Good Measure Report, which outlines and quantifies the social impact of our work.