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The Aumangea Programme was introduced into the NZDF in 2010. Relying heavily on the NZ Army Ranger Company template during inception.

It was specifically designed to inculcate the will to win regardless of circumstance in any NZDF service person who decided to accept the challenge. A reduction in the core skill measures of assessing competency in line with an attributes based measurement of performance was key in the programme.

The Aumangea Programme was developed with current/in service experts within NZDF to develop the personnel (from primarily NZ Army at the outset) to reach the outer limit of human performance while training.

Since that time, 330 warriors from the NZDF as well as Canadian armed forces and US Army Rangers have been 'tabbed' as an Aumangea warrior with the right to wear the tab on their uniform.

Those who have completed the period of training and are deemed ready by their Instructors, peers and command to either make the step to SF or to RTU and upskill/improve the overall outputs of their home unit.

While the NZ Army was the progenitor and owner of the Aumangea programme, many from other services and eventually countries recognised the value of the training and sent their best to attempt to qualify.

With a pass/fail rate of approximately 70% (adjusted for time) Many found the way of the warrior to be the home for their abilities.

An SF pass rate that meant over 10% of those tabbed would move on to this realm as well as a cohort who would remain as regular soldiers achieving within their realm or being promoted at an increased rate, otherwise retention in service was increased regardless of result.

Having no gender, racial, service or LOS barriers to attempt the opportunity to volunteer meant that the end result was the best of the willing.

With a focus on developing the human being as a weapon in Amy environment.

Such training would involve among others, Hand to hand combat, survival, physical extremes, mental extremes, combat tasks, innovation TASKS, soft skill development as well as moral actions and how it complies with ROE.

During the development of training a select few rights of passage were introduced in order to provide a baseline for those that attempted the Aumangea Programme. Despite location or season, all tabbed personnel have achieved these.

The Les Ball memorial trophy was introduced as an award by the nephew of Les Ball recognising a warrior spirit in line with the originator of the award in the modern NZDF.

This trophy was awarded to the top soldier at the completion of training.

20 individuals held this right over the 10 years of training.

Aumangea was run by selected personell with either a special forces/relevant skill background or Tabbed personnel who displayed the traits needed. This created a specialist level of competence needed to deliver at the highest levels.

Ultimately the Aumangea Programme was closed down in December 2020 following Command decisions.

Many in the NZDF and partner nations still wear the tab with pride today and achieve well beyond the expectation of average military service