Physical training prep helps Palmerston North recruit win sporting award
Aircraftman Nanise Koro won the top physical training award for a female recruit at the recent Royal New Zealand Air Force recruitment course graduation.
Aircraftman Koro was presented the Pat Goddard Memorial Trophy, for the best female recruit in physical education and recreational training, by Assistant Chief Capability Air Commodore Darryn Webb at the ceremony at Base Woodbourne.
“It feels good to put in so much work and know that you’ll get recognised for it,” she said. “I was training before I came in just to get into it. Physical training was my main focus before I came in because it’s such a big part of the course.”
Aircraftman Koro, 21, graduated alongside 52 other recruits who have completed the three-month training course.
Her next challenge is completing an engineering technical course.
“It’s like going back to school. Then, after three months, I will start my Safety and Surface trade training.”
Originally from Fiji, Aircraftman Koro moved to Palmerston North with her family when she was 12 and attended Palmerston North Girls High School.
She is no stranger to military life — her father and oldest brother were in the Royal New Zealand Navy and another brother was in the New Zealand Army.
“But I wanted to be different from my dad and brothers, so I chose the Air Force,” she said. “It was always in the back of my mind and having my dad and brothers involved in the military greatly influenced my career choice.”
Aircraftman Koro applied to join the Air Force last year and began the recruitment course in May this year.
“I thoroughly enjoyed recruit course. There were ups and downs but looking back now, it was what made it all so special,” she said.
“The bond created not only between your fellow recruits but with the staff too is something that will be cherished.
“I just hope to learn new things every day of my career with the Air Force.”
