Second Lieutenant Wi Neera has been commissioned into the Army Reserve and will step into his first leadership role at Exercise Tauwharenīkau, the Army’s annual Reserve Force training activity at Waiouru in late July.

Wi Neera, of Ngāti Toarangatira, joined the Reserve Force in 2021 and has served as an infantry soldier with the 5th/7th Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (5/7 RNZIR). He was recently commissioned and will use the July field exercise to apply lessons from his officer training and shape his leadership style.

Warrant Officer Class Two Michael Dale, Company Sergeant Major of Wellington Company, 5/7 RNZIR, said Wi Neera consistently pushes himself. “He has a lot of mana. He listens and takes on advice and I’m looking forward to seeing his development as a young officer. His first main leadership role will be on Exercise Tauwharenīkau.” A CSM is the key adviser to a company commander on welfare, training and discipline, ensuring the company functions effectively and standards are maintained.

Exercise Tauwharenīkau brings together up to 250 Reserve personnel from across different corps and units nationwide to maintain and sharpen technical skills using a range of Army weapons and capabilities.

Alongside his military service, Wi Neera is an accomplished film composer and will soon finish his term as a city councillor for Wellington’s Whanganui-a-Tara Māori Ward. He has studied te reo Māori, speaks German, holds a Bachelor of Music and a Postgraduate Diploma in Anthropology, and is about to begin a Master of Arts in Archeology. He has also received awards in short story writing and music composition.

“Military leadership is second to none,” he said. “The culture of high standards, trust of subordinates, discipline and making mates for life are one of the many reasons I stay. I’m looking forward to Exercise Tauwharenīkau and developing the skills gained from my commissioning course.”

He said service to community was instilled through his upbringing. “Coming from a culture in which leadership is by example, I have looked up to my iwi leaders in their consistent exercise of rangatiratanga. The military leadership training I have received has accorded me further exposure to effective leaders and has given me tools for the rest of my life.”

Demonstrating painga early in his officer training, Wi Neera spoke on behalf of his course at Rongomaraeroa-o-ngā-hau-e-whā, the Army National Marae at Waiouru, and led the haka at graduation.

WO2 Dale said he has the privilege of watching Reserve soldiers like Wi Neera develop through their careers.