An NZ Army Reserve Force exercise in Whanganui has leaned hard into de-escalation and stability tasks, reflecting the kind of urban peacekeeping challenges reservists may be asked to support.

During Exercise Italy, Corporal Stewart — a Whanganui spray painter at a local panelbeaters in civilian life — found himself managing a heated stand-off between role-players posing as village representatives. He stepped in quietly to cool tempers and allow his platoon commander to continue a leadership meeting.

The scenario sat alongside a slate of stability operations: establishing security to set up a forward operating base at 5th/7th Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (RNZIR) Headquarters, patrolling streets, providing security for a mock local community and leadership engagements, and resolving flashpoints before they escalated.

“Some of the scenarios were challenging but the training is in a supportive and safe environment where we are encouraged to be put into situations we may not have experienced before,” Corporal Stewart said. “As a section commander my priority is to give orders based on what the commander wants achieved, manage my section and ensure they are prepared for a variety of situations.”

He credits earlier service with the Youth Development Unit at RNZAF Base Ohakea — including Limited Service Volunteer courses and work with Services Academies — for sharpening the communication skills now central to his military and civilian roles. He also points to the backing of his family, including his wife Lisa and son William, and the unit’s family support network.

Officer Commanding West Coast Company, 5/7 RNZIR, Captain Peter Havell, said reservists need to be ready for complex urban environments where peacekeeping and public interaction sit alongside security tasks.

“The Reserve Force is expected to assist the Regular Force in sustaining land operations and this urban security training is part of that sustainability training,” he said. Combat engineers, medics and transport reservists were included in the activity to mirror how different corps work together.

The work-up continues mid-year. Training will be expanded at Exercise Tauwharenīkau, an annual Reserve Force activity at Waiouru in July that will bring together up to 250 personnel from units around the country to maintain and develop skills across a broader set of Army capabilities.