Kelston Services Academy

Another group of our boy’s have checked into the Royal NZ Navy. You guys have put in all the hard work and now its time you reap the rewards of your hard work and dedication ⚡️

Two of our old boys in Gallipoli for ANZAC,
Warrant Officer Walker & CPL Lee

NZ Commemorations in Gallipoli. Nori was given the honour of wearing the feathered cloak for the ceremony.
No matter where we are in this world, the ”K” always comes up ⚡️
Bravo Zulu Team
⚪️🔴🔵

This man is a role model to many of us Kelston old boys, would like to give this special man the recognition he deserves. He has played a big part of this Kelston Services Family and he is the reason why, a-lot of us have joined the Defence Force. With his Style of instructing/Teaching👀🥊😂 we have taken many of his life lessons on board. Congrats again and this one was unexpected 👀😂

As one great staff said: when one of us achieves we all achieve. Newly promoted Warrant Officer Seaman Combat Specialist Ngahiwi Walker and Maori Cultural Advisor - Navy.

Bravo Zulu PO 💪 ⚪️🔵🔴

All the hard work and dedication that you put in for the RNZN has payed off. Real big role model for our community. Continue to do us proud over in Canada.
Jay Joseph Reibel

The 15 year junior rate chapter of my life came to an end today. A strange amount of emotion was felt, it didn't really hit me until I was clapped out of the mess when I walked out for the last time. There have been some seriously tough times over the years and I chose the difficult path over the easy one. I still regret nothing because hard is what works for me. Respect to all those that I have served with over my time, I'll still be part of the furniture in the combat fleet for a few years yet.

I know there were alot of people that wanted to be there today, such is being deployed to another country for 18 months. Hopefully we are back in a few months time and we can catch up then.

Our very own Pilot to be Waikie Wang has just completed a course over in Canada.

The course is the Canadian Air Combat Systems Officers course it’s the selection course you need to pass prior to embarking on the training on the sea sprite. I went there last year Jan 1st 2021 and did a year of testing and learning before graduating with my wings.

Continue to inspire the next generation to aim high and that nothing is impossible. With the correct mindset EVERYTHING is possible 💯

Bravo Zulu Sir⚡️🔥

Always good catching up with this guy Hobby Pomare busting jokes like we still at school 😂. Thank you bro for being honest and letting the boys know abit about the Army life 🙏. Alot of our boys are inspired by your journey and im surprised you’ve made it this far 👀😂. Hopefully we catch up with the boys soon 💯🏁

HMNZS Te Mana is currently located in Victoria shipyards drydock undergoing biannual hull maintainence to support the frigate systems upgrade project and return trip to NZ later in 2022. This is a busy time for the ships marine technicians as it allows the removal of systems for maintainence which would normally be full of sea water. Removing the ship from the water is a complex and time consuming evolution which requires all hands on deck from our department. Many extra hours are currently being worked to ensure we remain on schedule with our program for the rest of the year.

For the boys wanting to join as a Marine Technician, here are some of the things that you will be doing in the near future 🔥
Thank you Jay Joseph Reibel, love your work over there in 🇨🇦 brother.

⚓️

Another video session done with our old boy Jay Joseph Reibel. Thank you for the many word’s of encouragement and also letting them know that the job aint easy but its well worth it. Continue to do the great work over there in 🇨🇦 and we will see you when you’re back 👍.

👀😂


&counting

Anything is possible if you put your mind to it 💯

If you wonder why there is alot of old Boys in the Navy its because of this man. He has played a big part in those who were looking for a career in the Defence Force and because of his methods of Teaching 🥊👀😂 many have joined. Malo e ngaue lahi Staff Walker 🙏 Walker

Kia ora koutou nga tama toa o te kura rongonui o Kerehana me koutou 'Nga Hoia o Apopo' whakapoupoua ki a koutou katoa. Firstly acknowledgements need to made to the sky father and earthmother for their protection. Secondly to our Services Academy staff members through the years from 2005 - 2021. To our Servac old boys and the impact that you have had during your time in the Defence Force thus far and to those who are serving in our communities (if you're none of these then 'standby' as I will come and sort you out!). Regardless I greet you all. I am so proud to be a part of our Kelston whanau and especially those that attended our Servac. I have so many awesome memories from our time together especially our 2007-2015 Servac team along with Mr. Parsons. I have only two words of advice to all those following in the footsteps of the boys leading the charge - Harden Up! Don't believe in all this tree hugging bull kaka. You alone have the mana, ihi, wehi and wana (firepower) inside you to make a difference in your life. Tama tu tama ora tama moe tama mate - Seize the day or don't but don't complain about it? Ka nui te aroha I nga wa katoa!

Another old boy setting a good example of hard work and determination 🙏 Class of 2011

Corporal Nori Lee is breaking down barriers, battling bullying and finding ways to improve techniques with weapons, earning him the title of 2021 New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) Person of the Year.

CPL lee has clearly demonstrated the core NZDF ethos and values of Courage – Tū Kaha, Commitment – Tū Tika, Comradeship – Tū Tira and Integrity – Tū Maia and is a worthy recipient of Soldier of the Year. He is not only a dedicated soldier but an active and valued member of the wider community.”

Proud of your Accomplishments bro and thanks for sharing your journey with us 🙏❤️ Jay Joseph Reibel

Kia Ora brothers, my name is Jay Joseph Reibel and I attended KBHS from 2003 - 2006.

When I was 8 years old my Dad took me down to the wharf in town to watch the new NZ Frigate HMNZS Te Kaha sail into harbour for the first time. I guess the seed was planted from an early age for me, and 10 years later I would have a date with destiny.

I joined the Navy in January 2007 and have been here ever since. The services wasn't a popular career choice during my time and a lot of pressure was put on us to go to university. I suffered a bit of bullying from people I thought were my friends because of my career choice. The services academy didn’t exist yet, looking at what you guys get up too now I wish it did. I played cricket and practiced martial arts while I was at school, as well as a lot of skateboarding after school. I got pretty average grades for my ability (needed a good kick up the arse). School was never really my thing and a wise teacher once asked me during my 6th form year if I wanted to waste another 12 months getting pointless credits or just to go out and earn $30,000 (Cheers Mr Harrison). The answer to me was obvious, and before the end of the school year I was accepted to join the RNZN in the January intake.

When I first joined the Navy, I joined as a Communications Operator. The recruiters told me to join as a Marine Technician, but still being a 17 year old kid I had no idea what path I wanted to take so I took the easy one. Within 18 months of joining I was onboard HMNZS Te Kaha and sailing on my first overseas deployment. By the time most of my mates had finished up at Uni I had spent 4 deployments in the South China Sea and was quickly moving up the ranks. After 7 years in the job and reaching the rank of leading hand the challenge was no longer there and I decided it was time for a change. I filled in my paperwork for a branch change to Marine Technician, a transition that would take almost a year before I could get a place on course and required a reversion in rank. Effectively I was starting from the beginning all over again. I also needed to learn 7th form maths and physics on the fly, which was a challenge when you hadn't seen a classroom in almost 8 years!

In 2015 I posted back to HMNZS Te Kaha to learn the basics of the trade (Which took 3 years!) and a few more deployments. In 2018 I sailed the ship up to Canada and flew home to finish the last 14 months of classroom work before I was awarded my Level 4 Certificate in maintenance engineering. Afterwards I spent a bunch of time training ships firefighters and instructing at the Damage Control School. I was then identified as a high achiever and fast tracked onto my Petty Officers course ahead of a lot of my peers (this earned me some haters!). After a lot more courses and half a Diploma, I am now back in Canada preparing to sail HMNZS Te Mana home.

My current role is an Engineering Officer of the Watch. This means I am in charge of the safety of the ships propulsion plant for my time on watch (8 hours per day). I also give recommendations to the bridge for plant configurations for whatever operations we are undertaking. I undertook the majority of training for this role in a synthetic training environment with only the final few months taking place at sea operationally before I was signed off by my command. I also am the head maintainer for the ships diesel generators and auxiliary hydraulic systems such as ships steering/stabilisation, cranes, and helicopter handling systems. On top of all this I need to stay on top of my apprentices and coach and mentor them in their own careers. It is a busy and fast moving job that eats up a lot of hours. When your friends are going home, quite often you are still working in the freezing cold or spending your evenings studying. My efforts the last 12 months have seen me awarded the sailor of the quarter and nominated for the Sailor of the Year 2021. If you want a challenging but rewarding career I can't recommend a Naval Marine Technician enough. The first few years will be tough! and you will be tested! If you can pass the academic phase and make it onboard as an apprentice I will do everything I can to train and mentor you to be the best you can be!

I run to keep fit in my spare time and put in 4-7 hours a week in the shoes. PT is also mandatory for the boys in my watches if we are at sea, they have to eat their vegetables every day too! I achieved 3:22 in the marathon last year, the goal was 3:30. I had to fail 4 times before I committed myself fully to this task and made it non-negotiable. I have applied this logic to my academic studies and how I train and mentor others and have seen great results.

My advice to the younger generation:

1. Never take advice from someone who's in a position you can't afford to be in. If the person talking doesn't have the exact results that you after, consider that advice null and void! This is why I don't take fitness advice from fat people, or financial advice from people that are broke!

2. Don't dream too small! If you aren't willing to risk to usual then you will have to settle for the ordinary!

3. NEVER QUIT. Failure is just an opportunity to WIN the 2nd time around.

4. THRIVE in times of adversity. Use pain to push yourself past the boundaries you thought were possible.

Our Sailor of the Year and Old Boy Peter Siulai currently in Canada. Doing us proud over there USO.

Remembrance Day 21 🇨🇦🇼🇸
Peter Siulai

Over the last 5 days these two have been put through alot of challenges, also have been pushed outside their comfort zone. They should be really proud of their achievements and now that you have discovered how you cope under pressure, you can continue to pass on what you have learnt to the rest. Much of what you have achieved is through your own determination and hard work, you should be extremely proud of yourself for conducting this Leadership course 💪

Bravo Zulu James and Arno 💯

How I transitioned into the military
I transitioned through the Onehunga services Academy back in 2007 . At the time I believe we were the second services academy to be run.
And I knew it was going to be hard because I seen a lot of my friends in the previous intake finish much skinnier then they started.

What made me join the Army
I joined The Army because I wasn’t ready to work a normal job, going to university wasn’t on the cards due to my performance studying in school. And I think if I didn’t join the Army I would’ve got into trouble on the streets hanging out with people I shouldn’t be.

Family
My Mother was also a Soldier in the NZARMY so having her in the military before me gave me a insight of what to expect . My family have always been supportive of what I did and at first when I told them I felt like they didn’t think I was serious and thought I couldn’t do it so it kinda drove me to join even more .

Where I’ve been
I joined the NZ ARMY in 2008 and I was fortunate and lucky enough to be deployed to East Timor later on in that year.
On return in may 2009 I spent the rest of the year in Linton before getting posted to Christchurch .
From December 2009 to December 2011 I spent my time in Burnham military camp.
In 2011 August I was selected for an ANZAC exchange to Sydney ,Australia .
ANZAC exchange is when you travel to Australia and do the role your doing in NZ ARMY but over in the Australian Army. They would also send one of their soldiers to NZ to do the same.

NZDF sport
I have played Rugby League and Volleyball for NZARMY and NZDF .

In the Army to get selected to play sports usually requires you to attend a regionals which are split into zones
Northern - Trentham ,Waiouru and Papakura
Central- Linton

Southern -Burnham
These three regions will partake in a week tournament called REGIONALS to see who is a regional champion but also to select who will represent NZARMY at the Inter-Service tournament against NZ NAVY and the NZ AIRFORCE.

Inter-Service tournament is usually a big thing and runs over about a week aswell with the squad meeting a few days before the tournament to train over anything also team bonding.

After Services , a New Zealand Defence Force Team is selected , which will either play against our Australian Defence Force or tournaments around NZ or Overseas.

To be able to play in these tournaments is huge to represent your country ,your service ,and your Family while getting paid made me feel privileged and also like a semi-pro athlete.

Advice
To be honest if I could go back and ask my self if I’d do it again , I would definitely do it again in a heart beat.

What I would recommend though is

Have a plan.
Have a plan into what you want to achieve
Whether it’s to Join the military buy a house within 6years

Have Goals,
Having goals can keep you with a purpose and make sure that you know why your doing something when your freezing cold in the worse conditions and start to forget your why.
And constantly review these goals because at some stage your gonna go away from these but a small reminder can pull you back on track.

Lastly,
Whatever you do,
Always do your best.
Because I can tell you when you give your best you can always be proud of who you are and what your standard is whether it’s at home or on a rugby field , at church , or wherever you go.
Make it the same Energy
Make it your Best

I wish you all the very best in the future and hope you all take something away from being in the Services Academy .

Denzel Nephi Lepua

Good little run with the boys to dust off the cob webs from the School Holidays 👀👊😂. Good to see that positive energy throughout the run, start together FINISH together 👊
4K✅

Ex Student Waikie Wang


Doing the ACSO(Air Combat Systems Course) in preparation for my role as an observer. Basically trying to earn my wings.
I do miss the fam and everyone back at home but at the same time it’s been real eye opening to work with the RCAF(Royal Canadian Airforce)




Waikie Wang

Talofa Lava

Hi team, my name is Frank Farani.
I am a Leading Seaman Combat Specialist in the Royal New Zealand Navy.

I specialise in Force Protection, Gunnery, Parade, Ships husbandry, Driving Boats.

I joined the the RNZN year 2009, straight from service academy (Kelston Boys). I have been in the Navy for 12 years and still serving

Service Academy has helped me build leaderships skills and keep fit prior to going forward into my Basic Training.

The Navy has given me a lot of opportunities. I have travelled to 16 countries, worked alongside a lot of international military’s , helped our pacific islands through disaster relief, Representing our NZDF playing rugby league overseas and many more.

The last two years I have been posted to the Youth Development Unit in Central. Working with services academies in the central region.
It was awesome to work with our Rangatahi, empowering our youth as you’s all are our future.

My advice for you all. Make the right choices in life. A bad decision can affect your chance in the military or any other workplace.
Stay in school and do the best you can to gain credits,the more credits you have the more opportunity out there in the workplace to apply for and lastly don’t forget your ‘WHY’

Up the puss ✊

Frank Farani

Thanks for taking the boys for PT uso. Aint nothing better than some quality character building activities 😂. Work hard now and reap the rewards later Team 💯




Vasio Luatua Vetenibua

Thanks for coming in uso 🙏. You had all the questions in the world fired at you and glad the boys were happy with the answers that you provided ! Keep up the solid mahi and hopefully you see some of our boys over on the other side.

From KELI to DEVONPORT 💪🔥

Frank Farani

The current Service Academy Boys - 2021

It has been a rough start for them not experiencing the whole 2weeks of Induction Camp due to Covid but that didnt stop our boys giving it 💯. Boys have been pushed beyond their limits and half way through the year its only right they continue their hard work. Look forward to the end of the year 💪🏆
And some of you still need a haircut 👊👊😂

My Names William Pupa, Attended Kelston Boys' High School from 2008 - 2012. Served in the Royal New Zealand Navy as a Chef from 2014 - 2019. New Zealand Born, Samoan Raised Uso from West Auckland. Had the honor to attend a school that valued the true meaning of Brotherhood, that still stays strong and true even today after leaving 8 years ago. Wasn't really sure what I wanted to do during my schooling years until 2011, Thanks to Staff Walker who was the Services Academy Teacher at the time, persuaded me to join. But things didn't go according to what I had planned and than I began my journey for the first year out of school.
2013 I was unable to make it into that intake however advise from a few of my friends and family I was determined to get ahead regardless of the circumstances that presented themselves. I believe things happen for a reason and that if it was meant to be I would get ahead and reach my goal. Coming from a Island family it was natural to give back to the family for the hard work they had done to raise us.
That is when I found a job at KFC it was not that right for me at the time however I was getting a income,it was something rather than nothing and I was able to contribute some sort of financial help towards my parents.
2013 was not the best start of the year for me as my self confidence had gone down and I was determined to find something else where I could progress in my career. By the time August 18th I received a call , and I was informed I had made it into the Royal New Zealand Navy for January 2014 induction. That is when my journey as a sailor had begun. The Royal New Zealand Navy gifted me with a lot of opportunity to a life I had never dreamed of. I was fortunate to do a few trips around Australia, and also around New Zealand to places I never thought i would go. Been able to meet life long friends who I consider family till this day. The life skills gave me the opportunity to do better as a person and be able to work along side a team I could be proud of.

Also life skills which I could use on a everyday lifestyle. I became more confident with myself and I would recommend the services to anyone out there that would consider joining The Royal New Zealand Navy. The perks you get is amazing as well such as free dental work, free medical and the opportunity to take sick days of course. The food is provided which is another great perk.
However I am out of the Navy and I have started my own business called Kelicustoms with a close friend where we are able to expand our creativity. We have been able to do designs and print them for customers to what they desire, Also coming up with a Range of Kelston Clothing aswell. I am fortunate to sponsor the first IV team as they means giving back to the school.

My advise would be never to give up on your dreams and there are always obstacles that come your way how you tackle it would be the way you approach any situation. Been positive and working hard to what you really want to achieve is possible no matter what. Determination is the key and I would highly encourage you to join the Navy if that is what you truly desire. The key to success is to never give up and work towards what will make you happy and confident.

William Pupa

Godbless and The K Never Comes Down

Saulala Houma

Aged 29.

Front rower.

Started in rugby league and switched to rugby union in high school, playing 1st XV Rugby for Kelston Boys High School from 2006-2008.

Kelston Services Academy 2008

In 2010, played league for Mt Albert Lions, was selected for the Auckland Premier Team and the New Zealand Residents Rugby League Team, and named New Zealand's Domestic Rugby League Player of the Year.

Member of the New Zealand Vodafone Warriors Squad in 2011

Sydney Roosters wider squad 2014

Cronulla Sharks NRL Auckland 9s 2015

Played his first game with Newtown in Rd15 2012.

Junior club: New Lynn Stags, Auckland, New Zealand

Kia Ora brothers
Hobby Pomare

Service academy: 2008
Service: AARC 352, 2009- now

First joined the army a few years ago and have been here ever since lol over the years I’ve worked with many different countries both here in New Zealand and aboard.
Trade: Artillery
Rank: Sergeant

Current role : Weapon Sergeant /Troop sergeant 163 battery, 16 field Regiment (Artillery)

Currently Command a weapon detachment (6- 7 people) on a L119 light gun and provide fires for the infantry (field environment ).
Within a camp environment my job Varys however usually it consist of 🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️😂 . Plan , co-ordinate and facilitate training for the boys under my command and Answer phone calls at 0300 hrs on a Saturday night cause one of my lads has been arrested 🙋‍♂️ nah jokes, but really. . . .

2016-2017
Posted to The army depot (TAD ) as a Instructor
2018-Now posted back to 163 bty
Oct 2019-June 2020
Op farad ( Sinai)

One highlight that stands out for me was in 2017. I was selected to head over to Israel and commemorate the 100th year anniversary of the Battle of Beersheba. I was Apart of the MCG (Rent a Powhiri 🙋‍♂️🤔). The signs for a good 3 week holiday in Israel we’re looking promising until Ngahiwi Walker decided he’ll pull rank and get on the trip somehow . Knowing my luck we were always going to be roomies for the entire trip. However, the old falah definitely needed some mentoring you could say otherwise he’ll most likely still be lost over there somewhere. Just don’t ask him I said that cause he’ll Deny it.

During my time in the army boys I’ve had many ups and many downs. I’ve had the privilege to instruct/ influence many young people from various backgrounds, and if I’m entirely honest, some of the teachings that were engraved into me many years ago whilst attending KBHS services academy have a major influence on how I conduct myself today

Few top tips:

don’t be afraid to leave your comfort zone , Take opportunities with a good attitude and always remember where you come from. Your going to make mistakes throughout life , perseverance is key, never let a mistake define you!! Be open minded to new teachings and lastly, only take the good things from people you come across throughout whatever career you choose !!!
Chur brothers, if anyone needs help or some sort of reassurance about joining the services please feel free to send me a message.

Hobby Pomare

Name: Vilimaea Fusi
Attended KBHS: 2013 - 2017
KBHS 1st XV: 2016 - 17

Service Class:2016-17

AUT:2018-Now.

A little bit about myself 2016 I joined the KBHS Service Academy and I was lucky enough to be part of it for 2 years. This programme has really encourage me stay engaged in the learning environment and has motivated me to achieve inside and outside of class. I had plans to join the Royal New Zealand Air Force after high school but had other plans awaiting for me.
I am now currently studying in my 2nd Year of Bachelors Degree In Engineering(Electricity) at the Auckland University of Technology City Campus. I hopefully believe which many of you’s should, is to graduate and join the RNZAF.
I also play for the Suburbs Premier Rugby Club which had allowed me to also chase other pathways which might lead me to play in the crusaders one day lol. I am still growing and taking in a lot from my family and others that have inspired or encouraged me to get to where I am today.

Word of advice:

Failure is not a red F, it is the “First Attempt in Learning”. Lastly, whatever you do in life, give all glory back to him.

Name: Sione Manuolevao

Services Class: 2008

Service Career: 2011 - Now.

First commissioned into RNZN as GLX Officer. HMNZS ROTOITI, TAUPO, TE MANA, OTAGO. 2011 - 2014

2015 saw me want a change in career within the NZDF and service changed to the NZ Army, resigning my commission and starting again doing the NZ Army year long commissioning course graduating as a 2LT into the Royal Regiment of NZ Artillery.

Trade: Artillery. 2015 - Now

Current Role: Joint Fires Team Commander. Command a team of six personnel that are deployed forward alongside infantry, supporting them by coordinating the delivery of artillery and/or any other fires onto targets

Rank: Lieutenant

Word of advice: Know your why. Whatever path you choose - that path will require sacrifice. Your why will compel you to do the work required despite the sacrifice.

Malo lelei Brothers

Im Misi Faleofa.

A little bit about myself, I joined the Navy straight from school as a Chef and now at YDU as a Section Commander. Spent 11years based at Devonport Naval Base and thought to myself it was time for a change. Also an ex Services Academy student, class of 2008 - 2009. I repeated that year for Term 1, just to enjoy Service Academy with the boys before I joined.

Iv served on HMNZS Te Kaha, Te Mana, Commissioned Otago, Wellington, Endeavour, Hawea, Taupo, Canterbury. Travelled to alot of place's around the world and all around NZ. The best thing was, we were getting paid for it.

Was also lucky enough to represent the New Zealand Defence Force for League a few times. Most memorable memory was going to ENGLAND for the Defence Force Rugby League World Cup back in 2013, 4weeks in England playing rugby league and getting paid for it was the life.

Now I have settled with my Wife and two kids trying to give back to our community. Ensuring you guys dont make the same mistakes we made, when we were your age. Theres so much to see out in the world but its up to you to make your dreams a reality. Dont be afraid to messge any one of these old boys on here, I am pretty sure they are willing to help in any way that they can 💯