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A huge congratulations to Year 13 student Paul Porter, who has successfully gained entry into the Royal New Zealand Navy, becoming the first HPC Services Academy student to be accepted into the New Zealand Defence Force!

Paul has secured one of just two positions nationwide for the role of Helicopter Load Master, following a highly competitive selection process involving months of physical and mental assessments.

As one of the foundation students of the HPC Services Academy in 2025, Paul has worked hard towards his long-held dream of a career in naval aviation.

Reflecting on his experience, Paul said:
"Looking back, I don't think I would have had nearly as strong an application without the experiences I gained through the Academy. It offers so much more than just leadership and military-style training; it gives you a huge amount of life experience, develops your confidence, teaches you to work with different people and pushes you outside your comfort zone."

Services Academy Director Paul Dodds praised Paul's development and determination:

"Over his two years in the HPC Services Academy, I have watched Paul grow and mature immensely. The confidence, resilience and life skills he has developed have been clearly evident in the way he has approached and conducted himself throughout what has been an extremely demanding and competitive recruitment process."

Paul's achievements extend well beyond the Academy, with his efforts also recognised through numerous awards at the College's recent Sports and Senior Academic Prizegiving evenings.

Paul will begin his Navy training in February 2027, taking the next exciting step towards his future career.

Paul, you have worked hard for this opportunity, and you thoroughly deserve your success. You have set a fantastic example for future Services Academy students, and the entire HPC community is incredibly proud of you!

Ka mau te wehi, Paul! 🇳🇿 ... See MoreSee Less