The New Zealand Cadet Forces (NZCF) is a voluntary, disciplined, uniformed leadership training organisation for youth. It has three branches:
- Air Training Corps ("Air” cadets, or ATC)
- New Zealand Cadet Corps ("Army” cadets, or NZCC)
- Sea Cadet Corps ("Sea” cadets, or SCC)
Although the organisation has a distinct military flavour, it is not directly part of the New Zealand Defence Force. The Chief of Defence Force administers it on behalf of the Minister of Defence. At local level it is supported in partnership by the NZDF and the community.
Training programmes emphasise personal development. The NZCF offers a quality, nationally coordinated training programme, which aims:
- To foster a spirit of adventure and teamwork, and to develop those qualities of mind and body essential for good citizens and leaders.
- To provide challenging and disciplined training activities, which will be useful in either Service or civilian life.
- To promote an awareness of the Armed Forces, and the role they play in the community.
Cadets are treated as young adults, and as such are expected to take responsibility for their actions. Initiative and cooperation are rewarded, but likewise as a disciplined organisation there are consequences if the rules of the organisation are not followed. Within this structured environment the more effort you put in, the more satisfaction and recognition you will receive.
No. 30 Squadron was originally formed at North Head, Auckland in November 1968 as No. 30 (North Shore) Squadron. We were located at North Head for a year before shifting to the combined Squadron Headquarters at Blake, Street in Ponsonby where we remained for 26 years until its closure.
In March 1987 Mr. Murray Ball, the author of the cartoon “Footrot Flats”, officially authorised the use of “Dog” as the Squadron Mascot. Dog took on the honorary rank of Flight Sergeant and is still very much part of the Squadron today.
In 1992 the Squadron received a Youth Charter from Waitakere City Council and changed its name to No. 30 (Waitakere City) Squadron. In 1995 after the announcement that Blake Street was to close No. 30 Squadron moved to RNZAF Base Auckland (Hobsonville) into the personnel selection centre and changed its name to No. 30 (Hobsonville) Squadron. The selection centre was not ideal and later in 1995 No. 30 Squadron was offered a small plot of land on the back corner of RNZAF Base Auckland (Whenuapai). So at the end of 1995 we moved once again and began to develop our own headquarters.
At the end of 1996 the squadron was presented at the Webb Shield for overall Squadron Efficiency in the Northern Area, this is an award that we have gone on to win another six times since 1996.
In 1998 the squadron celebrated its 30th birthday and Group Captain D. Newlands the Base Commander of RNZAF Base Auckland at the time officially opened the new Headquarters at Whenuapai.
Over the years the Squadron has had many achievements and milestones; we have competed against other Air Training Corps Squadrons nationally in the Wallingford Shooting Competition where cadets have earned their marksman badges and the Squadron has won the competition on more than one occasion. This competition is held on an annual basis and is very popular amongst cadets.
No 30 Squadron has competed in the Davy Memorial Drill (DMT) competition and taken out the competition in the Northern Area and then the National competition. In 2008 the Squadron celebrated its 40th birthday with a large parade at RNZAF Base Auckland followed by a dinner for 200 guests with Air Vice Marshall G. Lintott in attendance for the days celebrations.