The unit was formed in 1988. The Unit meets weekly (during school terms) at Kerikeri High School for ‘parade nights’. On these nights a standard routine is followed including a full unit parade, two periods of learning, preparation for any upcoming weekend activities and a final parade at the end of the night. The Unit members (cadets and staff) wear uniform provided by the NZ Defence Force and follow customs and protocols based on the Army, for example a hierarchical system or rank structure within the members.
All cadet units have a local “support committee” that help raise funds for the operating costs of the Unit. The Defence Force provides some of the uniforms and some of the training courses available to cadets but all other costs are raised by the local community through the Unit’s support committee. The KCU support committee is made up of parents and other interested persons and they raise the funds through collecting membership fees, fundraising such as sausage sizzles and raffles and also applying for funding through grants. Currently the cadet fees are $15 per term. Some of the activities have a nominal fee but most activities are subsidised (at least in part) by the support committee. Therefore any donations are gratefully appreciated.
The Unit is run by Commissioned Cadet Force Officers, who are (unpaid) volunteers. Cadets participate in a three-year training programme, and many are then promoted to the ranks of Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs), where they then become involved in leadership and training of younger cadets. This means members have the ability to progress through the ranks, and develop great communication, teamwork and leadership skills, whilst continuing to enjoy all of the fun activities we offer.
Cadets also have the opportunity to attend National Courses, with other Air, Sea and Army cadets from around the country. Each course is usually about a week long, and held during the school holidays. As they are provided by NZ Cadet Forces, with the assistance of the NZDF, most of these courses are free of charge or offered at a heavily subsidised rate and involve travelling to, and staying on, a Defence Force establishment.