The 2022 Tohu Awards

The Minister of Defence, Hon Peeni Henare, has recognised a number of part-time NZDF personnel and the organisations who support them this week at the annual Tohu Awards – run by the Defence Employer Support Council (DESC). These Awards have previously been included in the Minister of Defence Awards for Excellence.

This event, and the awards issued, are an official acknowledgement of excellent service and ongoing commitment from our organisations in the Community and members of our Defence Reserve Force, Cadet Force Officers and Limited Service Volunteer Graduates.

Employers of our Reserve Force, and Cadet Force Officers are vital to its effectiveness. With the support of independent organisations, our part-time personnel can attend training and deployment opportunities and supplement our Regular Force personnel. 

Employers benefit in employing and supporting members of our Reserve and Cadet Force Officers, as well as our Limited Service Volunteer Graduates, as the training they received through the NZDF helps develop and sharpen their skills in leadership, teamwork, communication, discipline, planning, management, and much more.

Positive relationships between Employers and Reservists or Cadet Force Officers in their civilian workplace often result in personnel remaining engaged in their work and are more likely to be motivated and committed to their employer. 

Congratulations to our award winners this week and thank you to those who nominated organisations that show their support for our people and NZDF’s purpose.

Reservist of the year

Lance Corporal Jason Hart

Lance Corporal Hart is an outstanding performer within the NZDF Reserve Force and this has been recognised by his Unit, 2/4 Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment.

He has shown a high level of commitment to his Reserve Force duties through his frequent attendance at Unit parades and activities, in spite of his busy schedule as a 3rd-year medical student.

Hart volunteers his time to support his Unit, planning and co-ordinating physical training sessions, he is trusted to manage the armoury, while also volunteering to support local Cadet Units.

Reserve Employer of the year

Toka Tū Ake EQC

Toka Tū Ake EQC values the unique skills Reservists bring to their workplace and recognises their involvement with Reservists as being hugely beneficial.

They recognise the transferable value of NZDF training skills, demonstrated by their desire to understand and explore military leadership styles and resilience techniques, and have aimed to develop an understanding and possible implementation of various approaches to challenges within the EQC workplace.

Individual contribution to the Limited Service Volunteer programme

Commodore David McEwan

The Outstanding Contribution to the LSV Programme for 2022 is awarded to the newly promoted, Commodore David McEwan, Royal New Zealand Navy, in recognition of his enduring support and actions as Course Patron, particularly his devotion and participation in course activities where he engaged with both trainees and staff with enthusiasm and passion.

As a former LSV trainee, CDRE McEwan sees the true value of the course and how much of a positive impact it can have on the trainees as well their families.

Employer contribution to the Limited Service Volunteer programme

Fulton Hogan

The Outstanding Contribution to the LSV Programme for 2022 is awarded to Fulton Hogan in recognition of the company’s ongoing commitment, promotion, and provision of employment opportunities with the LSV Programme and active encouragement of other industry leaders to take a chance on a LSV trainee by offering them the opportunity for valued work. 

From the LSV graduates Fulton Hogan has employed, over 80% have moved successfully into maintaining sustainable employment, either with Fulton Hogan or a subsidiary company. 

Cadet Forces Employer of the year 

Tuatahi First Fibre

SLT Keegan Greenfield of the Training Ship TS Waikato AND Lieutenant Dave Evans of the Hamilton City Cadet Unit nominated Tuatahi First Fibre for the award of NZ Cadet Force Officer Employer of the year.

Tuatahi First Fibre has consistently provided support to SLT Greenfield, LT Evans, and their Cadet Units. They recognize the skills and values of the NZ Cadet Forces and have been very supportive in allowing Greenfield and Evans to meet their commitments both at work and as Cadet Unit Commanders.