Midshipman Ned Steane, from Whakatāne, says being an officer in the Royal New Zealand Navy is a standard you hold yourself to, not just a job.

Midshipman Steane, 19, graduated among eight women and 16 men from their Junior Officer Common Training course at a Navy graduation on December 13 at Devonport Naval Base in Auckland.

As an aspiring Marine Engineer Officer (MEO), he will now undertake his trade training, which will include the Navy sponsoring his engineering degree studies.

Marine engineer officers are the Navy’s experts on ship structure, propulsion and power generation, running a team of marine technicians and overseeing the performance and availability of ship systems while at sea.

Born in Cheltenham, UK, Midshipman Steane came to New Zealand with his family when he was three and grew up in Whakatāne.

After finishing at Trident High School in 2023, he worked as a surf lifeguard prior to joining the Navy.

He said he had always had a passion for serving the community.

“I wanted to pursue a career in engineering, and joining the Navy allows me to do both,” he said.

He was strongly influenced by two high school teachers who were both ex-Navy.

He has family members who have served in the UK military, including an uncle who was an officer in the Royal Logistics Corps (RLC) in the UK.

“He talked to me about officership and helped me to see how my skills that I used in surf lifesaving related to the qualities of an officer.

“He talked about the standards you carry yourself to, and how it isn’t like any other job.

“It gave me a reason to keep going during training.”

There were times when he reflected on whether this was the right thing, but he would remind himself of his “why” and kept his goals firmly

in mind.

“My advice to others looking to join the Navy is, first of all, concentrate on your fitness and health. Do any kind of sport, anything more than what you’re already doing.

“Try and find opportunities for leadership, even if you’re not the captain of the sports team or head boy or girl. Just find opportunities to lead.

“And have that clear reason for joining. It definitely helps you stay motivated when you’re being challenged.”

He says his family will see some changes in him after 20 weeks of training.

“I’m more confident and fitter, and a better decision-maker under pressure.”

Under the Navy’s Tangaroa scholarship, Midshipman Steane will work at Devonport Naval Base over summer and then start a four-year honours Bachelor of Engineering degree at Auckland University of Technology, paid for by the Navy.

He will receive the salary and military benefits of a full-time junior officer while studying and be required to complete one year of full-time service for every year of sponsored study.