Nearly 500 New Zealand Army Reserve Force soldiers and 40 Australian Army Reservists have wrapped up a major warfighting exercise across Southland, culminating in a dawn attack near Waikaia.
Exercise Tauwharenīkau — the Army's premier Reserve Force warfighting exercise — saw troops flown into Invercargill by C-130J Hercules before being moved into the Hokonui Hills by NH90 helicopter, where they faced a determined opposing force across rugged terrain. The exercise was led by 2nd/4th Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment.
The final push came at first light, when North Island Company and Anzac Company — an integrated New Zealand and Australian force — successfully seized their objective near Waikaia.
Exercise Director Lieutenant Colonel Gareth Seeds said the result reflected well on the part-time soldiers involved.
"Watching our Reserve Force soldiers respond to the complexity and chaos of modern operations with confidence, professionalism and competence has been one of the highlights of the exercise," Lieutenant Colonel Seeds said.
He was equally struck by how the two nations' soldiers worked together. "Above all, I'm most proud of how our soldiers embraced their Australian counterparts – not just as allies, but as whānau. Together, shoulder to shoulder, they embodied the Anzac spirit. Kia kaha, kia māia (be strong, be courageous)."
The two companies were backed by engineers, signallers, medics, dental personnel, mounted reconnaissance, logisticians, intelligence specialists, uncrewed aerial systems operators and Royal New Zealand Air Force security personnel. Training used the Tactical Engagement Simulation System — eye-safe lasers and blank ammunition — giving real-time feedback to participants and commanders.
Senior defence leaders observed the exercise, including the Chief of Defence Force, Chief of Army, Land Component Commander and Australia's 5th Brigade Commander.
Seeds also acknowledged the communities that made it possible.
"On behalf of the NZ Army, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the landowners and local communities who have supported Exercise Tauwharenīkau," he said.
"The NZ Army routinely trains in communities around the country in order to be able to respond in times when we are called upon to assist. Their willingness to provide access to their land and welcome our personnel into the area has been critical to the exercise's success. It ensures the Reserve Force remains ready to support New Zealand at home and overseas."
Army Reservists are part-time soldiers who serve alongside the regular force, developing leadership and military skills while maintaining civilian careers.