Private Smith, at your service

By Sergeant Caroline Williams

As the Media Delivery Manager at Whakaata Māori (Māori Television), Private Hoani Smith serves his community, his church, his work, his whānau, and is now proud to be serving his country.

After researching the Reserve Force online, the now 54 year old, decided to apply. Having doubts as to whether he would be accepted due to his age, he didn’t tell anyone he’d started the process, including his whānau. To his surprise his application was successfully progressing.

“It was then time to make a plan with the rest of the whānau to see how this could work for everyone. And we found a way through – in time for my application to be accepted. Fortunately they were really supportive,” he says with a grin.

PTE Smith has always remained fit, is a vegetarian and with his positive outlook on life has thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of Army life. He has developed an enormous respect for those training him, the Army as an institution, and admires the way staff lead the recruits.

“I’ve been working at Whakaata Māori since its conception 19 years ago, starting out as a sound engineer. I now manage 33 people in my role so looking at different and effective leadership strategies will definitely benefit my employer,” he says.

PTE Smith was selected to lead the Haka for the RTF 167 Graduation Parade in December, and admits it was a humbling experience.

“At another time it would have been someone else’s opportunity.

This time it was mine and I just happened to be in the right place in my life to be able to say I was up for the challenge. There was a real sense of kotahitanga (unity) among us all, having the platoons come together to march out. And performing ‘Tu’ was part of that, an essential element in coming together to honour those from Ngāti Tūmatauenga who served before us. Especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Due to his age and stage in life, people have been curious as to why PTE Smith has joined the ResF. He’s keen to share his experiences with anyone who asks.

“I’m keen to talk about it because it actually helps me better understand my responsibility and my place in the scheme of things,” he says.

“The achievement gives me a heightened sense of belonging beyond wanting stuff for myself. People get that notion of stopping for a moment and actively giving back to their community and our country. The notion of being proud of where we’re from and the huge privilege we enjoy living in Aotearoa.”

PTE Smith is looking forward to serving his country, assisting in disaster relief within both New Zealand and the Pacific as well as considering serving in places like Antarctica.

Where: Rongomaraeroa o ngā hau e whā Marae (New Zealand Army National Marae) Waiouru

When: Wāhine Wānanga: 27–28 June

Tāne Wānanga: 18–19 July

Wānanga have a critical purpose within our learning journey where success, growth and the creation of a strong understanding can be achieved in a safe and supportive environment. Both Wānanga are sponsored by our Deputy Chief of Army, Brigadier Rose King with the purpose being to provide an opportunity for Wāhine and Tāne at the 2LT to CAPT, PTE to SSGT and equivalent civilian levels to come together in a respectful and safe environment to share perspectives and develop an understanding of the cultural diversity across our NZ Army.

The aim is to bring together personnel from across Ngāti Tūmatauenga to help form a strong and culturally resilient organisation ready and able to represent Aotearoa New Zealand.

Nāu te rourou nāku te rourou ka ora ai te iwi For any questions email army.peopleandculture@nzdf.mil.nz