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People of the Year Awards

The People of the Year Awards is an annual event hosted by the New Zealand Defence Force to celebrate individual achievements and recognise organisational excellence.

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14 November 2024

Civilian of the Year 2024

A million dollar place to work in is how explosive support technician Michael Nagel describes Defence Ammunition Depot Kauri Point in Auckland.

A million dollar place to work in is how explosive support technician Michael Nagel describes Defence Ammunition Depot Kauri Point in Auckland.

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7 November 2024

Cadet of the Year 2024

Warrant Officer Cadet Oliver Evans is the 2024 Cadet of the Year.

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6 November 2024

Soldier of the Year 2024

Lance Corporal Renee Bowen is the 2024 Soldier of the Year.

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30 November 2023, 3.51pm

Soldier of the Year 2023

Lance Bombardier Jake O’Hara is the 2023 Soldier of the Year.

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30 November 2023, 12.02pm

Peter Rule Inclusion Award 2023

Squadron Leader Johanna Hunter has been awarded the 2023 Peter Rule Inclusion Award.

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28 November 2023

Sailor of the Year 2023

Leading Writer Joanna Mafi is the 2023 Sailor of the Year.

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27 November 2023

NZDF Safety Person of the Year 2023

Matt Wrigglesworth is the 2023 NZDF Safety Person of the Year.

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23 November 2023

NZDF Volunteer of the Year 2023

Captain Todd Skilton is the 2023 NZDF Volunteer of the Year.

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22 November 2023

Cadet of the Year 2023

Warrant Officer Class 2 Pyper-Alex Adams is the 2023 Cadet of the Year.

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20 November 2023

Civilian of the Year 2023

Nina Russell is the 2023 Civilian of the Year.

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17 November 2023

NZDF Sportsperson of the Year 2023

Leading Aircraftman Sarah Lockwood is the 2023 Sportsperson of the Year.

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15 November 2023

Innovation of the Year 2023

Karl Vetter and Kevin Heveldt have been awarded the 2023 Innovation of the Year award.

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10 November 2023

Reservists of the Year 2023

Sergeant Caroline Williams and Lance Corporal Rhys Dillon are the 2023 NZDF Reservists of the Year.

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26 October 2023

Aviator of the Year 2023

Corporal Joseph Lavery is the 2023 Aviator of the Year.

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Story Collections

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20231201 NZDF C1033116 101

48

Operation Resolution

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AdobeStock 994503128 2

3

Invictus Games 2025

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20240628 P1024180 NZDF 010

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2/1 Battalion RNZIR new Colours

NZDF Kiwi
NZDF Kiwi

5

Wai 2500 Military Veterans Kaupapa Inquiry

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20240920 P1024180 NZDF 007

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Operation Antarctica

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20240904 NZDF K1071142 008

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Introducing the C-130J

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20240521 NZDF C1033116 004

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New Caledonia departures

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Contingent 3 2

3

Marking 80 years since the Battles of Cassino

Training1 Credit ADF
Training1 Credit ADF

14

Support to Ukraine

NZDF Kiwi
NZDF Kiwi

1

Burnham fire