An update from the Commanding Officer of 2/4 RNZIR, Lieutenant Colonel Gareth Seeds.
I appreciate the opportunity to provide an update on what has already been a busy and productive year for the Battalion.
Following the Christmas stand-down, the Unit welcomed 31 newly qualified infantry soldiers fresh from Corps training. Special recognition must go to Privates Thomas Redgwell (Otago and Southland (O/SOUTH) Company) and Hamish Brown (Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast (NMWC) Company), who jointly received the 2/4 Battalion Top Infantry Soldier Award during Corps training. While on the subject of congratulations, I would also like to acknowledge all 2/4 Battalion soldiers and officers who have been promoted, whether in an acting or substantive capacity. Recognising and rewarding talent and commitment is one of the greatest privileges of command, and I congratulate all those who have achieved this milestone.
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Lt Col Seeds provided these photos of CANTS/NMWC soldiers on Ex MALAYA (22-24 May 26) at Glenthorne Station near Lake Coleridge. Spot the new combat helmets (individual issue) and the under-armour shirt, important once the new ‘body armour’ rolls out. The first sets are already in the Q store and will go to those on Ex TWN26 first
The training year commenced with the usual annual compliance requirements, including the introduction of the new Annual Weapons Qualification (AWQ) shoot. Throughout this period, our focus has remained firmly on our core infantry role: ‘to seek out and close with the enemy, to kill or capture them, to seize and hold ground, and to repel attack by day or night, regardless of season, weather, or terrain’. This year, however, there has been an additional emphasis on preparing the Battalion for Exercise TAUWHARENIKAU 2026 (Ex TWN26), which I will discuss further shortly.
In March, the companies conducted their first field training activities of the year, focusing on section-level operations. O/SOUTH Company undertook Exercise TUNGARAHU, while Canterbury (CANTS) Company and NMWC Company combined for Exercise BURMA. Concurrently, the Battalion entered a team in the Brigade Skill at Arms Competition. This year's team was deliberately drawn entirely from CANTS Company, with O/SOUTH Company scheduled to contest the title next year. The team performed strongly, but particular congratulations must go to 5/7 Battalion, which secured first place and was awarded Top Team honours
As in previous years, the Battalion was committed across the length and breadth of Te Waipounamu in support of ANZAC Day commemorations. As Commanding Officer, I have the privilege of attending commemorative events throughout the South Island, and this year I had the honour of attending the dawn service in Gore and the civic parade in Bluff. Both occasions were moving, unique, and memorable reminders of the significance of our service and heritage.
May saw the companies return to the field with the aim of progressing from section-level activities to platoon-level dismounted operations. O/SOUTH Company conducted Exercise KAIKAPE, while CANTS and NMWC Companies combined for Exercise MALAYA. These activities served as the final major training events before Ex TWN26 in July.
That brings us up to date—June already. The year has passed quickly, and all eyes are now firmly focused on the final preparations for Ex TWN26. As the host unit, we are preparing to deliver a Reserve Force concentration that will involve more than 500 Reserve personnel and Regular Force mentors operating across Gore, Waikaia, and the Hokonui Hills.
The exercise will bring together personnel from all three infantry battalions, the Waikato Mounted Rifles, Engineers, logisticians, Military Police, medical personnel, and members of the Royal New Zealand Navy. Participants will also include Reserve personnel from Australia and Canada, all contributing to the latest iteration of this important biennial activity. Ex TWN26 promises to be a significant undertaking and an excellent opportunity to strengthen capability, interoperability, and professional relationships across the wider Defence Force and our international partners.
Behind these training activities, a great deal of work continues to strengthen the Battalion's capability for the future. New equipment is steadily being introduced into service, the rollout of our replacement vehicle fleet is expected to begin later this year, and significant infrastructure projects continue to enhance our ability to train, operate, and support our people.