Auckland Mayor visits TS Achilles

The Auckland Mayor Mr John Banks visited TS Achilles sea cadet unit in Okahu Bay on Wednesday evening 15 October.

The Mayor was shown around the sea cadet headquarters and introduced to the cadets before he boarded a boat and followed the cadet’s instructions on how to sail a boat and wear a lifejacket properly.

To the cadets’ delight, Mayor Banks joined in with drill - showing off his military moves and even putting the cadets through their paces by taking them for drill training himself.

He was also shown a traditional flag raising ceremony and introduced to the many activities sea cadets has on offer.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for young people, I wish I had known about it for my own children” the Mayor said.

Jack La Trobe, a 10 year old who is itching to join his older sister and become a cadet also came down to meet the Mayor. He told Mayor Banks about all the things he had already learnt in preparation for turning 13 and becoming a sea cadet himself.

The sea cadets provide a fun and disciplined environment for teenagers aged 13-19 to learn and join in activities including sailing, rowing, rifle shooting, drill, camping, naval ship visits and teamwork. These activities can go towards credits for NCEA exams, an added bonus for the children.

A dedicated team of volunteers spend Wednesday evenings and most Sundays with the cadets and the Mayor said he could ‘see how committed the officers and supporters of the unit are.”

T.S Achilles is holding an open day on Sunday October the 26th from 9am onwards to give any teenagers interested in joining a taste of many of the activities on offer.

The unit can be found at 19 Tamaki Drive, Okahu Bay – underneath Hammerheads restaurant. For information phone 0800 SEA CADET