Toku Hikoi Aotearoa - My New Zealand Journey
Captain Mathew Lucas is a Canadian Forces’ Chaplain; he came to the RNZN Chaplaincy Centre, HMNZS PHILOMEL from 24 January to 8 March, 2010. The purpose of his visit was to observe the Pre-Deployment and Post-Deployment training for chaplains in the NZ Defence Force. His article describes the interaction he undertook with our naval chaplains.
After an emotional good-bye to my family, I started my 38-day tour of duty, under the CANZEX* program, to New Zealand. Despite some problems with my flights, I landed in Auckland on 24 January. Chaplain Wayne Toleafoa, Principal Chaplain (Navy), and his lovely wife Jenny, were at the airport to warmly welcome me to their country and into their lives.
My focus during the visit was the Pre-Deployment and Post-Deployment training for chaplains in the NZDF. At Trentham Military Camp I observed and participated in the Civilian Military Co-operation Course (CIMC) which trains deploying military and civilian personnel to co-operate with the local government, citizens and non-governmental agencies in various theatres. Although I joined this course in the final week, I was incorporated into the syndicates and participated, along with the deploying chaplain, in all of the exercises and role plays.
Next, at Burnham Camp, I observed the Pre-Deployment Training Course (PDT). Here the personnel on the CIMC met up with the other personnel deploying, to start their final training prior to being deployed to Afghanistan.
Working with the Chaplains
The second purpose of my visit was to observe and participate in the daily operations of the New Zealand chaplains. It was an honor for me to receive a formal Maori greeting (powhiri) with Vice Admiral MacFadden [head of the Canadian Navy] and others at the Navy Marae at the Devonport Naval Base. I had the opportunity to be sail in HMNZS TE MANA for a family day and, to tour the new amphibious sea lift ship HMNZS CANTERBURY—with a hospital the size of a small clinic and a large gym that any Canadian sailor would enjoy.
Like any good Baptist, I enjoyed the opportunity to preach at the Naval Memorial Chapel of St. Christopher, which many new trainee sailors attend.
The New Zealand chaplains are in the midst of becoming tri-service, like the chaplaincy is in the Canadian Forces. It was a joy for me to participate in some of the discussions concerning this from a Canadian chaplain’s perspective. I am sure the chaplain exchange opportunity with Canada will provide a beneficial experience as the NZDF chaplains begin this new direction to serve the men and women of the NZDF. Over time, there may be additional opportunities for the New Zealand and Canadian chaplaincies to collaborate on training initiatives that will mutually benefit our ministry of presence to the men and women we serve.
What will I remember most?
- meeting the very friendly and capable service members of the Navy, Army and Air Force
- the hospitality of the chaplains
- the folks I regularly dined with at the Wardroom at HMNZS PHILOMEL
- the Base doctor and friends who invited me to a spirited quiz night
- the Executive Officer of HMNZS ENDEAVOUR who introduced me to the local beer Tui (which I discovered much later is also a name of a bird in NZ!)
- eating a delicious Afghan meal while sitting on the floor to conclude the CIMC,
- and the awe-inspiring landscape.
Another experience included flying into the Wellington Airport and bracing myself as the pilot navigated through turbulence; I had been told “Wellington is like a baby: it is always wet and blowing wind.”
Of course, this wonderful opportunity and unforgettable experience required the support of others; therefore, I was happy to deliver fine New Zealand wine to my colleagues in Canada.
Reflections
As we celebrate our Centennial as a Canadian Navy, two RNZN ships have celebrated with us on our West Coast. It had been 25 years since a New Zealand warship last visited Canada and I am sure the sailors this year will have many stories to tell. Indeed, it is exchanges, celebrations and military engagements, that continue to form lasting friendships and a spirit of cooperation between our nations.
* CANZEX: Canada New Zealand Exchange
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