Publication:Sea Talk Winter 2007/ANZAC Exchange 2007
By ABHSO Shaun ‘Bear’ Godley
Kiaora, and G’day from the land of the long white cloud where there are 12.6 sheep for every person. That’s right - this report is coming to you from New Zealand, where for last few months the Navy participants of Anzac exchange have been working hard to ensure the bonds that form the Anzac tradition are celebrated and strengthened with our New Zealand cousins.
The Anzac Exchange is annual short-term individual exchanges between the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF). It involves the exchange of personnel and is designed to broaden the experience and professional knowledge of all involved, while promoting continued cooperation between the participating defence forces through exposure to other cultures, procedures, equipment and personnel. As the end of the exchange fast approaches LSWTR Jackie Newton, LSMUS Jason Campbell, LSSTD Nataleen Lockyer and ABHSO Shaun ‘Bear’ Godley, got together to answer a few questions.
You have been working with the RNZN for the last few months where have you been posted to?
Nat: Well I have been posted to the HMNZS Philomel wardroom where I get to enjoy picturesque views of the Auckland skyline. Bear: We have all been posted to similar positions to what we have in the RAN; however instead of being at sea we have been given shore billets, which has seen me posted to the hydrographical detached survey unit.
Jackie: I have been posted to NAVPAC which is the writers’ hub. This is where the customer service centre is situated, the overseas cell and everyday paperwork is processed here.
Jason: To Narrowneck which is an Annex of HMNZS Philomel. The band’s workplace is new, only four years old. It’s equipped with many practice rooms, and a rehearsal studio. It’s a big improvement on what they had previously.
How have you found the RNZN?
Jackie: I have found the people that I work with very easy to get along with as a rule. In general the people that are in the RNZN are friendly and welcoming.
Jason: All the band members have been very friendly towards me during my time on exchange. I think the RNZN is a well run navy and fairly well equipped considering the overall population of NZ, and size of its navy. I think we take it for granted the facilities and services we have in RAN and that we really do things very well. When you come to a smaller navy such as the RNZN you can get a true picture of this.
Nat: from my time working at the wardroom there does not appear to be any major difference in the way both navies conduct day-to-day business. Bear: I would have to agree with LSWTR Newton - the navies are very similar.
What are the similarities and differences between the RAN and the RNZN?
Jason: There are many similarities in the way our bands do things - the type of jobs they play to and the type of groups which are used. But there are also many differences - the way that they run school concerts or parades. In Australia we are more traditional in our running of things, such as using cornets on parade and doing a more serious type of school concert program. The RAN is better equipped with its facilities, and in its practices such as OH&S and equity and diversity. Bear: The hydrographic branches in the RAN and RNZN are very similar in the way they conduct business. The only thing that is a little different is the software that we use. Jackie: The work procedures they have are similar to us but vary enough that if I were to work in the RNZN I would have to be completely retrained as they use different systems. The other main difference is their discharge time. Depending on their job they only have to give three months notice no matter what rank they are. Their reporting period is every six months.
Nat: In the wardroom there was hardly any difference between the RAN and the RNZN. There are little differences but nothing worth mentioning. What have you learnt while you have been on the exchange?
Nat: The accent is not that hard to understand after a few drinks. If you go to an all you-can-eat restaurant it does not mean you have to eat everything (as I was told by the rest of the stewards at dinner one night.)
Bear: that Kiwis hate to lose at any sport - especially if they are playing an Aussie team. They have had such a bad run with the cricket and footy. Jackie: As much as we hate to admit it, Australian’s and New Zealander’s are very much alike and have a similar sense of humour. Unlike Australian’s who are patriotic in most sports the Kiwi’s don’t really seem to care as long as the win rugby union. Jason: Musically it has been a chance for me to broaden my horizons and play with a lot of different musicians of different backgrounds. I have learnt some new ideas about doing different work practices. I have also learnt that the RAN is a very good navy and does a lot of things very well. We should be very grateful for what we have in the RAN.
What is the funniest or most embarrassing thing you have done or seen since you have been on the exchange?
Bear: the most embarrassing I have done since been over here is thinking I could keep up with the warrant officers on a night out in Mangonui. Let’s just say it was a messy night with a very quiet day to follow.
Jackie: The most embarrassing thing would be getting dressed up in green for St Pats day which was a lot of fun.
Jason: While doing several school concerts I have participated in a number of dance routines. These have been fun but a little embarrassing. The refreshing thing though is that the RNZN bandies all enjoy doing this and see it part of the school concert program.
Nat: I have been good. I have not let myself get into any embarrassing situations. However, as Bear will point out, my winning highland jig on Saint Patrick’s Day would be worth a mention, and well worth the MP3 player.
Have you had the chance to travel and explore the country and if so where and what was it like?
Jackie: I haven’t done a lot of travel but as I am planning a North Island tour. I did go to Mount Munganui for Anzac day and had a look around Roturua. It reminded me very much of Australia, much of it rural
Bear: I went away on the Kiwi Experience bus and did a tour of the North Island. Had a lot of fun and met so many people and was able to do some of New Zealand’s adrenaline adventures.
Nat: I was able to go on a 12-day adventure to the South Island, going as far south as Milford Sound. This is a picturesque part of the South Island that I would love to go back to.
Jason: I have been lucky enough to participate in a two tours while here on exchange with the band. I have seen the south and east coast of the North Island during these tours. During my Easter break I got the chance to see Rotorua, which is an amazing place. I also had the chance to see the beautiful Bay of Islands. They countryside in NZ is very picturesque and lush. It is a stark contrast from the drought that is happening in the southern states of Australia at the moment.
What have you gained most out of the Anzac exchange?
Bear: The working relationships and personal friendships that were formed while over here as well as some of the slang such as ‘bro’, ‘sweet as’, ‘rarking’ and ‘true as’ - they are the things I will take away from my time in New Zealand.
Jackie: I have gained a new appreciation for the Australian Navy and Australian lifestyle. I have expanded my vocabulary with words such as rarking (to go out and drink). I have also made some great friendships and learnt a lot about myself.
Jason: I think I have gained some good friends while on exchange here in NZ. I have gained a better appreciation of the RAN and how it goes about things by working in another navy.
Nat: I would have to say it would have to be the friends that I have made and that the amount we get paid is not that bad compared to the RNZN. What advice and tips do you have for fellow Aussies that may participate in the exchange in the future?
Jason: I think that you shouldn’t expect to see anything groundbreaking on exchange. You should approach it with an open mind as a comparison between two navies. Try to learn as much as you can about different work practices, and travel as much as you can. I think that you will learn not to take for granted many of the things we do well in the RAN
Jackie: Get as much information on travel and recreation before you come over.. Depending on work, try to see New Zealand as soon as you can. Talk to someone who has done the exchange for a few pointers.
Nat: Make the time to interact with the navy crew outside your unit to learn more about New Zealanders and their culture. Bear: I think Jackie and Nat have summed it up well – you must try a hungi and a boil up!
