About Us

No. 1 (City of Wellington) Squadron

No. 1 (City of Wellington) Squadron, Air Training Corps (ATC) parades every Thursday night during the school term. Parade nights run from 1820 to 2100 hrs (6:20 pm – 9:00 pm) at the Wellington Cadet Centre, 393 Evans Bay Parade, Evans Bay, Wellington. No. 1 (City of Wellington) Squadron is the oldest ATC Squadron in the country, formed on 15th September 1941.

New Zealand Cadet Forces

The New Zealand Cadet Forces (NZCF or Cadet Forces) is a voluntary military-style training organisation for New Zealand youth. Run in a partnership between the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and a number of locally appointed community organizations, it is composed of three Corps (similar to the New Zealand Defence Force): the Sea Cadet Corps (SCC), the New Zealand Cadet Corps (NZCC) and the Air Training Corps (ATC).

AIMS OF THE NEW ZEALAND CADET FORCES
- 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.

VALUES OF THE NEW ZEALAND CADET FORCES
Courage – Confronting challenges, both physical and moral, to overcome adversity.
Commitment – Being reliable and loyally serving and supporting the NZCF, local communities and New Zealand.
Comradeship - Looking out for each other, having respect for all, and championing the benefits of friendship, teamwork, and diversity.
Integrity – Having self-discipline and always being honest, trustworthy, and responsible.

Air Training Corps

The Air Training Corps (ATC) is the aviation arm of the NZCF, and is aligned with the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). Formed in September 1941 originally for the purpose of training young pilots ready for active service. There are 49 ATC Squadrons located throughout New Zealand with a vision to foster the spirit of adventure and teamwork, and to develop those qualities of mind and body essential for good citizens and leaders.

History of the Air Training Corps (ATC)

The ATC had its beginnings in England early in World War II and gave elementary training to prospective RAF recruits. The idea spread throughout the Commonwealth including New Zealand, where the ATC was formed in 1941.

Since 1941, the New Zealand ATC has undergone various changes in its aims and outlook, until today where it is a national youth organisation.The New Zealand Cadet Forces were established under the Defence Act 1971 and is comprised of the Sea Cadet Corps, the New Zealand Cadet Corps, and the Air Training Corps.Cadet Forces is a community-based youth training organisation aimed at teaching leadership, self- confidence, and good citizenship to young persons from ages 13 to 20 years old. There are ATC Squadrons spread throughout New Zealand from Kaitaia to Invercargill, comprising of approximately 2000 cadets.

TRAINING

Subjects taught at unit level include the following:
- Aviation Studies
- Foot and Rifle Drill
- Leadership
- Adventure and Bushcraft Training
- First Aid
- Military Knowledge
- Firearm Safety and Range Procedures
- Navigation
- Instructional Technique
- Radio Communications