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LTCOL Ian Brandon (left) hands over command to LTCOL Mike Nochete.
A NEW LEADER AT 2ER The leadership of 2nd Engineer Regiment has changed, with Lieutenant Colonel Mike Nochete taking over command from Lieutenant Colonel Ian Brandon. The ceremony saw the handover of the “Upoko O Te Taiaha” which is the 2nd Engineer Regiment symbol of Command, and the presentation of the Regimental Colonel Change of Command symbol, the Tewhatewha to LTCOL Nochete. Brigadier Hugh McAslan was the reviewing officer for the parade, with Colonel Paul Curry the Colonel Commandant of the Royal New Zealand Engineers also in attendance. “Nga kiahanga e mahi mo ratou i tenei ra, a nga kaihanga te mana mo apopo – those who build for
others today, build the mana of tomorrow,” LTCOL Nochete told those gathered for the ceremony. “I’d like to acknowledge the outstanding stewardship of LTCOL Brandon. His professionalism, engaged, and empathetic leadership has guided the Regiment through a difficult period. He has laid a foundation that the Regiment can build on as we look to regeneration across the Army. “To my fellow Sappers, it’s good to be back at the home of the Sapper. I am proud to once again be standing amongst you and I look forward to serving you as the 16th Commanding Officer of the 2nd Engineer Regiment. “As we look to the future we will focus on junior leadership, the ability to train safely and effectively to enhance our tactical and technical proficiency, sharpen our operational focus, and heighten our strategic awareness. Our capabilities as a Corps, start and end, with the Sapper. It is the Sapper that responds to crisis, it is the Sapper that uplifts the vulnerable, it is the Sapper that leads the way.”
LTCOL Nochete, with his family accompanying him, picks up the take during the change of command ceremony.
