A former Kaitaia primary school teacher has joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force as a Learning and Development Officer after completing Initial Officer Training at RNZAF Base Woodbourne.

Flying Officer Conaglen, 25, said the move had been on her mind since high school, but she decided to take the step after her nana died.

“She had always been a big influence in my life and always wanted me to do things that I enjoyed,” she said. “Her support made me realise that I needed to pursue something meaningful for myself, something that would challenge me and help me grow.”

Conaglen holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Auckland. In her new role, she will help ensure NZDF personnel have the knowledge, skills and mindset needed for operations that can be complex, joint, inter-agency and multi-national.

She described the 16-week course at Woodbourne as demanding but anchored by teamwork. “Knowing we are all in the same boat made tough moments easier, and it was clear that no one had to go through it alone,” she said. Working with a wide range of personalities was a key challenge: “It really pushed me to become more adaptable and patient, and to focus on communication and teamwork.”

Conaglen now moves to Base Auckland for the next phase of training. She says she wants to build leadership experience and take on more responsibility over time, contributing where she’s most needed.

For those considering the Defence Force, her advice is to prepare physically and mentally, lean into discipline, resilience and teamwork, and research roles thoroughly to choose a path that fits their strengths and goals.