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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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7 November 2024

Cadet of the Year 2024

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

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

40

Operation Resolution

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20240628 P1024180 NZDF 010

11

2/1 Battalion RNZIR new Colours

AdobeStock 994503128 2
AdobeStock 994503128 2

1

Invictus Games 2025

NZDF Kiwi
NZDF Kiwi

5

Wai 2500 Military Veterans Kaupapa Inquiry

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20240920 P1024180 NZDF 007

19

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

4

New Caledonia departures

Contingent 3 2
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