Red Diamond for two Cook Islands soldiers in New Zealand
Cook Islands soldiers privates Daniel Turua and Keve Tukia have been inducted into the NZ Army. They were among 55 others to have completed 13 weeks of intensive training in Waiouru and Burnham Military camp in Christchurch.
“It was tough in wintry, wet and icy weather and it was a real experience for all of us,” Turua and Tukia admitted.
They were awarded their ‘red diamond’ badges at Burnham camp recently and will be based there permanently.
The march out (graduation) parade on Wednesday 23 August was attended by family and friends of the soldiers. Proud uncle of Turua, a retired staff sergeant himself and served in the Royal NZ Infantry Regiment, Teariki Kaivananga Tangiiti said he was excited about the two boys being inducted and he would like to see more young Cook Islands people join the army.
“It’s a good life but you have to be prepared to work hard. The army offers a great deal but it’s up to you to make it or break it. You can choose a trade once you’re in and the army will help you in every way possible. There’s education, civil jobs, and many others. There’s opportunity for personal development, play all sorts of sports and meet people of other cultures.”
Tangiiti, father of two, joined the army at age 18 and served for 20 years and now lives a comfortable life in NZ’s garden city Christchurch.
Turua and Tukia now have their own rooms in the barracks and all soldiers at Burnham will have more leisure time.
But according to senior army officer Peter Albritt (Raka Tinirau family of Tupapa) the pace will be less strict here in Burnham than in Waiouru but there’s no breaking the rules.
“All soldiers will be on good behaviour off camp or pay the penalty.”
Tangiiti stresses to all Cook Islanders who gets into the army the importance of not allowing too much social life to get in the way. He said many has fallen into the trap by letting alcohol take control.
Turua and Tukia are excited about becoming full time soldiers now and family members and friends who were at the march out from Rarotonga or other places in NZ are proud they have made it thus far.
The boys pass on their love and regards to those back home.

- Bobby Turua

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